Why Global CEOs Are Looking to the UAE to Do Business in 2025

By Corina Goetz

Global CEOs Are Looking to the UAE to Do Business

For decades, the United Arab Emirates has been a byword for ambition—its skyline, strategy, and speed of implementation turning heads in global boardrooms. But in 2025, something deeper is at play.

The UAE is no longer simply a destination for oil wealth, opulence, or grand announcements (although many people still think this). It has become one of the most agile, opportunity-rich, and strategically vital business hubs on the planet. And global CEOs are taking notice.

The UAE’s transformation is the result of deliberate, visionary planning. Initiatives such as We the UAE 2031 are translating long-term national ambitions into actionable commercial frameworks. I regularly share updates on LinkedIn about what is happening in the region.

The country is proactively positioning itself as a leader in artificial intelligence, fintech, clean energy, space technology, and advanced logistics, all while maintaining its status as a financial and tourism powerhouse. This forward-thinking mindset is further embodied by Vision 2071, a centennial blueprint a centennial blueprint that underscores the UAE’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.

CEOs are not just looking for new markets; they are looking for ecosystems that can support high-growth models with speed and scalability. In the UAE, they are finding both.

In a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty—marked by protectionism, shifting alliances, and regional conflicts—the UAE offers a rare oasis of stability and neutrality. Its balanced diplomatic relations with both East and West make it a natural headquarters for multinationals from the US, Europe, China, and India.

The legal environment, especially in free zones like DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), is built on common law principles and tailored for international firms. This provides CEOs with a combination of predictability and operational speed—two qualities often difficult to find together in global expansion strategies.

A Hub That Is Not Just Regional Anymore

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have long served as command centres for the Middle East and North Africa. However, their role is now unmistakably global:

Dubai: With three-hour flight access to over 2.5 billion people and one of the world’s busiest airports, Dubai is a central node in the global economy. It is no longer just a gateway to the Middle East, but a launchpad for global operation

Abu Dhabi: Leveraging its sovereign wealth and sector diversification, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a heavyweight in global capital markets and sustainability leadership

Recent moves by industry giants underscore this shift. When Procter & Gamble relocated its regional HQ to Dubai in 2023, and BlackRock expanded its presence in Abu Dhabi, these were not just market plays—they were strategic investments in global positioning.

Attracting and Retaining World-Class Talent To UAE

The global war for talent has not disappeared; it has simply evolved. The UAE has responded with

·         Golden Visas: Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals

·         Remote Work and Freelance Schemes: Flexible regulations that make it easier for international talent to live and work in the UAE

·         0% Personal Income Tax: A major draw for top-tier professionals and executives

·         World-Class Infrastructure: High-speed connectivity, modern office spaces, and advanced logistics

With working hours that bridge Asia, Europe, and Africa, CEOs can run near-continuous global operations from a single base. This time zone advantage has attracted a wave of tech startups and financial firms, particularly to innovation hubs like Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71.

Government Backing That Moves at Private Sector Speed

One of the UAE’s most distinctive advantages is the speed at which government initiatives move from concept to execution. For example, when the UAE unveiled a new AI framework in 2024, industry leaders were invited to help shape regulatory sandboxes within weeks. This is not just symbolic engagement—it is a structural feature of the UAE’s business environment.

From customs clearance to digital infrastructure, CEOs find a rare alignment: a public sector that acts as a true partner, accelerating innovation and reducing bureaucratic friction.

Despite the UAE’s high-speed innovation and efficiency, relationships remain at the heart of business in the Gulf.

For CEOs, success is not just about capital or credentials—it is about credibility, presence, and cultural intelligence. Understanding local business etiquette, partnership pacing, and subtle cues is essential. Those who invest in learning the context and nuances of Gulf business culture consistently unlock opportunities others miss – this is what Star-CaT provides. You can get started with the Middle East Insights.

2025 and Beyond: From Optional to Essential

What was once seen as a “nice to have” expansion is now essential. The UAE is no longer just for luxury brands, energy players, or real estate investors. It has become:

·         A launchpad for innovation

·         A magnet for global capital  

·         A serious base for international influence.

For CEOs who are forward-facing, globally minded, and tired of bureaucracy slowing down opportunity, the UAE offers a new kind of boardroom: one that is built at the intersection of bold vision, stable foundations, and fast execution.

Those who understand this shift are evolving their business for the future.

Corina Goetz is the founder of Star-CaT, a Middle East Advisory firm helping Western professionals succeed in the Gulf through high-level training, strategy, and cultural intelligence. She has more than 20 years of experience working with Gulf royals, leaders, and luxury brands. Learn more at www.star-cat.co.uk.