Hello from Abu Dhabi, مرحبا من ابو ظبي,
After having taken up the post of Executive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, I have the pleasure to introduce the LTIO’s monthly newsletter and share some first impressions of the UAE.
The newsletter provides information on the Luxembourg economy and the activities of the LTIO. The articles are interrelated snapshots reflecting the dynamism, attractiveness and resilience of the Luxembourg economy, in fact the 3rd most resilient economy in the world. It is also resolutely turned towards the future – as showcased by the future Space Campus, by the 2nd highest high-speed internet coverage in the EU, or by the highest per capita R&D expenditure in the EU.
Whilst there is still a lot to learn, my main job here is to promote, together with the fabulous team, trade from Luxembourg and investment to Luxembourg, thereby creating win-win situations. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Trade and Investment Office is thus fully committed to assisting you with the expansion of your business to Luxembourg and your entrance into the European markets. We also facilitate trade between Luxembourg and the Gulf region and support Luxembourg-based businesses in the establishment and development of their activities on the Gulf region market.
During initial meetings with Luxembourg companies with regional headquarters based in the UAE and other stakeholders, it became rapidly clear that business opportunities in this region abound and that we are experiencing a “boomtime in the Gulf” (The Economist, 24/9/22).
For the newcomer, it can seem as though impossible does not exist in the UAE: there is no project that is too ambitious, and even the most imaginative ideas can come to fruition.
Another strong first impression is that innovation can be seen and felt everywhere with forward-thinking attitudes towards business and economic development. The professionals I already had the chance to meet are all tech-savvy and very receptive to new technologies.
Well, what really sets the UAE and this region apart is the way innovation and traditional heritage blend together and are at the core of business dealings.
I am certainly looking forward to getting to know better the people and their history and to further explore the business environment in various sectors. Of course, there is also the stunning natural environment to discover – not only the remarkable desert locations, but Abu Dhabi is a fascinating archipelago made up of over 200 islands, many of which are accessible to visitors.
Let me close for now with an important announcement for tech startups looking to do business in Luxembourg, or Luxembourg businesses looking to enter the UAE market, please do tune in for our webinar on Tech Startup Opportunities on the 3rd of October. ( https://www.tradeandinvest.lu/event/uae-luxembourg-tech-startup-opportunities/ )- and watch this space for future events and activities organized by the LTIO in Abu Dhabi.
Work in progress!
Jean-Marie Frentz
Executive Director, LTIO Abu Dhabi