BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is emerging as a model of economic resilience amid global uncertainty, with strong fundamentals, steady business activity, and sustained investor confidence supporting its long-term growth, experts and industry leaders told Aletihad.
Business executives and entrepreneurs say the country's ability to navigate periods of disruption while maintaining stability has become a defining feature of its economic framework.
The UAE has consistently demonstrated the strength of its economy, according to Ryan Lemand, Co-founder of Neovision Wealth Management.
He pointed out that the country has weathered global financial crises, the pandemic, and periods of regional instability — each time emerging stronger and more structurally sound.
Amid ongoing regional developments, Lemand said business operations across the UAE remain uninterrupted. "We are not observing any disruption in demand or business activity at this stage. If anything, periods of uncertainty tend to reinforce the relevance of disciplined asset allocation and well-structured investment solutions," he said.
Syed Azeem Mehroz, Group CEO and CFO of Alpago Group, emphasised that the UAE's consistent and decisive approach to challenges continues to strengthen confidence across the business community.
Mehroz recalled that when the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a standstill, the UAE swiftly bounced back, returning to normal ahead of many global markets.
"This consistency gives businesses, residents and visitors real confidence and assurance in the country's stability, reinforcing the UAE's long-term growth outlook," he said.
Maha Mirza, founder of MZ Capital and Maison Lumière, said her confidence in the UAE economy is rooted in its structure rather than short-term sentiment.
"The country has consistently demonstrated an ability to absorb disruption while maintaining continuity, supported by strong leadership, long-term planning, and a coordinated approach across sectors," Mirza told Aletihad.
She noted that what stands out in the UAE is not just its resilience, but the clarity of its direction.
"The UAE has built an environment where businesses and capital operate with stability, transparency and confidence, even when the global narrative feels uncertain," Mirza said.
The country's market is designed to operate through challenges, as evidenced by ongoing business activity, robust infrastructure, and consistent transaction flow, she added.
Recent developments further highlight this strength. In Abu Dhabi's real estate sector, a villa in Hidd Al Saadiyat was sold for Dh88 million, marking the highest ready property transaction recorded during the first week of March, which reflects sustained confidence in the emirate's property market.
Financial markets have also shown positive momentum. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange recorded a strong rebound, with the ADX General Index rising by 0.991% to close at 9,556.14 on Tuesday.
Trading activity remained active, with more than 41,800 transactions involving 405 million shares valued at Dh1.66 billion, while total market capitalisation reached Dh2.884 trillion.
Solid Foundation
The UAE's ability to attract global capital has been built over decades through a combination of policy, infrastructure, and strategic positioning, according to Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro.
"Internationally recognised financial centres such as Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) provide robust regulatory frameworks that continue to draw global financial institutions," Gilbert said.
Beyond policy, the UAE benefits from world-class infrastructure, a strategic geographic location connecting Europe and Asia, and a high quality of life that consistently attracts global talent, he added.
Gilbert noted that amid the current geopolitical climate, the country's economic strengths hold firm. "The UAE's advanced infrastructure, competitive tax environment, and strong global connectivity continue to support its investment appeal," he said.
Gilbert expects investor confidence in the UAE to stay positive. Future decisions are likely to place greater emphasis on security planning and business continuity; however, the core fundamentals underpinning the UAE's growth story remain strong, he said.
The country's continued efforts toward economic diversification, its supportive regulatory frameworks, strategic geographic positioning, and sustained investment in infrastructure all provide a solid foundation for long-term growth, he added.
"In fact, current challenges may accelerate progress in key areas such as technology, supply chain resilience, and the energy transition. The UAE has demonstrated its ability to recover from disruption in the past, and it will do so again," Gilbert said.
Education Experts Laud UAE's Proactive Approach, Strong Governance
With schools moving online and student learning uninterrupted, education experts have also expressed confidence in the UAE's ability to manage the current challenges effectively.
Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, emphasised that the UAE has consistently demonstrated proactive and strategic leadership in navigating periods of uncertainty, ensuring that communities are supported and the economy continues to operate with stability.
"At Aldar Education, the wellbeing and safeguarding of our students and wider school community remains our highest priority. In the UAE, we operate within an efficient framework that places strong emphasis on forward planning, resilience, and the protection of its people, giving both educators and families continued confidence in the country," Cooper told Aletihad.
She noted that measures such as remote learning allow students to continue their lessons, while reassuring parents about their children's safety and development. Online classes will continue in the UAE for at least two weeks, starting March 23.
Navin Valrani, CEO of Arcadia Education and Group Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Al Shirawi Group, also praised the UAE's leadership for its foresight, swift action, and clear governance in implementing public safety measures.
"For schools in the UAE, this direction is critical. We work closely with Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of our students. Our well-established digital infrastructure enabled this transition to be seamless, with no impact on learning outcomes," Valrani told Aletihad.
He added: "It is in moments such as these that the value of clear leadership, strong governance and a well-prepared education system becomes most evident, and we applaud the UAE for its continued safeguarding efforts."