Desert Diary 6 – The Property Chronicle
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Desert Diary 6

Investor's Notebook

How the peaceful Gulf state became one of the dominant economies in the world in under half a century

Here in the United Arab Emirates 2018 was the Year of Zayed, 12 months of commemoration to celebrate a century since the birth of the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

In many ways this was a year of reflection (and perhaps a little awe) at the incredible speed of change that has seen this peaceful Gulf state grow to become one of the dominant economies in the Middle East (and indeed the world) in under half a century. 

Managing this growth has required a firm hand on the tiller, leadership and trust. Millions of people have, in different ways, contributed to it through hard work, ingenuity, originality of thought and sheer bloody-mindedness. People come and go, but many leave their mark and stay on, making UAE their home. 

Such is the diversity here – with over 200 different nationalities living side by side – that it is no coincidence that 2019 is the Year of Tolerance. It is, of course, pretty easy to be tolerant of your own kind. The challenge comes when cultural differences, working practices and attitudes are vastly different. UAE’s mix of religions, ethnicities and cultures has had coalesce to create this booming hub – and will need to stay together in the years ahead.






Investor's Notebook

About Edward Atkinson

Edward Atkinson

Ed has lived in UAE since 2010, owning and running the Padjet Consultancy. He has advised the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Dubai Expo 2020 on renewable energy and sustainability. Ed also acts on behalf of select companies and individuals raising capital from Sovereign Wealth Funds, Family Offices and other investment vehicles through his extensive network built up over the past 8 years. Prior to moving to UAE, Ed worked in the City of London. He has acted as Executive Producer and helped finance a number of film and television projects, including Last Orders, starring Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Tom Courteney, Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone. An avid cricket, rugby and golf fan, Ed can often be found exploring hitherto undiscovered areas of the UAE's excellent courses.

Articles by Edward Atkinson

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