Coexistence And Tolerance Drive The UAE's Thriving Business Landscape And Investment Growth

The UAE has firmly established itself as a leading destination for investment, thanks to its open economic system that provides a secure and inclusive environment. This strategy, based on values of coexistence and openness, attracts global talent and capital. Official data highlights the UAE's appeal to high-net-worth individuals and investors, driven by legislative and economic reforms that enhance business stability and confidence.

Significant legislative changes have played a crucial role in this success. Over the past three years, more than 80 percent of economic legislation has been updated. This has led to significant advancements in business development, aligning with the UAE's focus on a knowledge-based economy. The Federal Decree Law allowing full foreign ownership of companies has also contributed to a 235 percent increase in businesses since 2020.

The number of businesses in the UAE reached over 1.3 million by mid-2025, up from around 400,000 in 2020. This growth reflects the country's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business expansion. The registration of over 402,311 local and international trademarks by September 2025 further underscores global confidence in the UAE's investment landscape.

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, emphasised the UAE's supportive environment for companies, including start-ups exploring new technologies like AI. He noted government efforts to involve the private sector in drafting business legislation and highlighted events like "Expand North Star" as vital for attracting global investment.

Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, praised the UAE as a model for tolerance and mutual respect. He highlighted that over 200 nationalities live harmoniously in the country, which he sees as a major strength. His group employs staff from more than 47 nationalities, reflecting this diversity.

Dr. Brian Shegar from the UAE-Singapore Business Council pointed out that advanced economic legislation is why Singaporean companies choose the UAE for regional expansion. Approximately 700 Singaporean firms have set up regional headquarters there, showcasing strong confidence in its investment climate.

UAE's Role as a Regional Hub

Sam Armani from mimik Technology described the UAE's economic environment as a global model for openness. This was pivotal for mimik’s decision to expand operations by establishing a new entity in Abu Dhabi. Armani cited advanced digital infrastructure and flexible policies as key factors making it ideal for developing solutions across various sectors.

The UAE continues to be an attractive hub for businesses worldwide due to its strategic reforms and inclusive policies. Its ability to draw diverse talent and capital underlines its position as a leading centre for trade between Asia and the Middle East.

With inputs from WAM