During our time in the United Arab Emirates, we learned how intentionally the country approaches business and economic development. One of the most consistent themes throughout our visits was that the UAE is actively working to diversify its economy and not rely solely on oil. When we visited the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, they discussed how they strategically attract companies in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing to build a knowledge-based economy for the future, creating depth and breadth beyond oil.
We also saw how sustainability plays a major role in business decisions. At YellowDoor Energy, we learned how companies can install solar energy systems without taking on the high upfront cost by leasing the energy produced instead. This allows businesses to transition to renewable energy while staying financially practical. The emphasis was not only on environmental responsibility, but also on economic efficiency and long-term planning. It was interesting to see how sustainability was presented as a business opportunity rather than simply an ethical or moral choice.
Technology was another major focus during our company visits. Bellboy AI demonstrated how artificial intelligence is being integrated into hospitality and customer service to improve the consumer experience. In the UAE, innovation is not treated as optional; it’s become an expectation. Companies are constantly trying to position themselves as leaders in the future economy, especially in areas like smart services and digital customer interaction.
Across all our meetings, I noticed that hospitality and service are at the heart of how businesses operate. Because tourism and international business are such big parts of the economy, customer experience is treated as an important competitive advantage. Companies are not just trying to succeed on their own; they are also working to support the country’s reputation as a global destination. This trip showed me that in the UAE, business strategy is closely tied to national development. That’s different from the United States, where companies often focus more narrowly on their own corporate performance.
