Over the past couple of years the government and business community of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has worked tirelessly to brand the country as the center of the world — the nexus between East and West. Like many businesspeople, I’ve wondered exactly what qualifies these little sheikhdoms on the Arabic Peninsula for this singular honor. During my recent trip to Dubai for the Arab Health Congress I gained some insight into why the UAE is both a bridge between worlds and a lightning rod for the innovative energy streaming through the medical industry in such seemingly unconnected locales as Shanghai (see article The Peoples Republic of China’s Addictive Energy) and Cleveland, USA (see article Breaking Ground and Breaking the Mold). Here’s what I learned.
Connecting East to West
First of all, the UAE sits smack in the middle of the globe. China and the Pacific Rim countries are a day’s plane ride away; Ankara, Turkey, the gateway to Europe, is just 1600 miles (And once you’re in Europe can the U.S. be far away?); and the thriving countries of North Africa are almost literally a stone’s-throw away.
But geography is not the only reason the UAE has become THE place for businesspeople to converge and convene. The government of the UAE, under the watchful eye of Sheikh Mohammed Rashid, has dedicated itself to building both the atmosphere and facilities businesspeople need to promote their products and services to prospective customers from around the globe. If you’ve been to an open-air market in this part of the world you know how good Arabs are at creating the vibrancy commerce needs to thrive.
For example, here’s what the founder of CEO Clubs USA, Joseph Mancuso, had to say about his group’s plan to hold a forum in Dubai.
“Dubai is strategically located as a venue for global business meetings and the facilities, flight connections and business infrastructure are all world-class,” he said. “Dubai’s reputation precedes it as a global business and tourist destination and there are many CEOs around the world who are keen to take a closer look. This is a golden opportunity for global CEOs to do just that.”
Home Away from Home for Chinese and American Business
At the Arab Health Congress in Dubai I counted more than 300 Chinese manufacturing companies in attendance. Clearly, the powers-that-be in Beijing are making the most of this thriving business atmosphere. That might make you think the Chinese are dominating the scene in the region, leaving no room for the U.S. to do business.
Wrong! Every Arabic businessperson I talked to recognized that, while there are many excellent Chinese manufacturers (see The Peoples Republic of China’s Addictive Energy), the crème de le crème comes from the land of the stars and stripes. In fact, the Arabs I met seemed more accepting of Chinese-made products first specified by American companies, or as components of American-made products. (Hell, even my Harley has Chinese-made parts on it.)
Telegraphing Energy Around the World
When we think of the Arab World and energy, we automatically think of that substance that lubricates the gears of global business — oil. But the UAE is now sending a new, business-building energy to places like Shanghai and Cleveland. And that, I believe, is what makes it the center of the new, global marketplace.