Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)
For the last three decades, Robert “Bob” Amsterdam has been a prominent attorney and political strategist renowned for his expertise in international law and human rights advocacy.
On a recent visit to the UAE, Bob sat down with Aletihad ahead of a debate on the US election in Dubai, where he lauded the country’s openness to trade and relations, saying this had effectively made the country a capital of the Global South.
Bob says that while many governments, particularly in the US and EU, were increasing tariffs around the world, the UAE’s commitment to “not choosing a side” and instead working with everyone has given it an edge in economic and political affairs.
He said the country’s policy of both pursuing relations with BRICS nations while solidifying its relations with the West ensured the country’s prosperity and stability in the long term.
Bob said the UAE’s posture and location had attracted him to open an office of his government advisory firm, currently headquartered in Bangkok, in Dubai – believing the UAE to be an ideal location to conduct business with Asia, Africa and Europe.
“We’re privileged to act for a number of the countries in Asia and Dubai, as always, is a terrific midway point between our activities in London and Europe and our activities in Asia as well,” he said.
“We think there’s a tremendous amount of activity with interesting companies meeting and talking here in Dubai. And there’s a value of having your ear to the ground here that you can’t replicate in many places. I think Dubai is a superb location.”