The list of terrorist organisations announced by the UAE last year and which included more than 80 groups has garnered regional and international attention, reflecting the importance the UAE has gained on the global stage. Its list has garnered just about as much importance as the US and EU‘s lists.

In addition to political and security aspects, what the three lists have in common are economic aspects that are no less important. First, there are no countries or companies that can operate without impunity in today’s interlinked and globalised financial and business transactions, and in which the UAE is ranked first regionally.

This is why the announced list has received such an overwhelming interest, especially from the organisations included on the list. The UAE, however, has allowed these groups to complain through the local judiciary, prompting some US organisations to complain. Some Arab groups, such as those from Iraq, have also complained.

Due to the progress made by the UAE and the great opportunities offered for foreign investment, it has become difficult for any one to get by without the UAE market and its high-end services.

According to recent data, the UAE is ranked first in the Middle East and among the Top 10 countries in attracting foreign investments, which has doubled twice in five years, to exceed $100 billion (Dh367 billion) last year compared to $30.5 billion in 2010. It has also attracted more than 500 investment projects compared to 279 five years ago.

In fact, this is what distinguishes the UAE from other countries regionally or otherwise, giving it an importance that reflects positively on other areas. In terms of the overall regional prospects for foreign investment, the UAE and other GCC nations are the most secure and stable, in addition to having advanced legal and legislative structures protecting the rights of investors.

At a GCC level, the UAE is the most open economically. It has the most sophisticated infrastructure and is most capable of linking and sharing interests without obstacles. The UAE is among the most attractive labour markets anywhere in terms of attracting skilled talent as it is preferred for security, stability and tolerance.

Investor friendly

On the international level, when the UAE is compared to other major foreign investment attractions, such as the US and Europe, it has never had to punish investors by confiscating their investments. There are many examples from across the world where such actions have taken place.

The UAE remains a safe and investor-friendly environment that enjoys a sophisticated legal infrastructure to guarantee the rights of domestic and foreign investors, a fact that turns it into a favourite haven for investments.

If it had allowed any one or more of the organisations named on the terror list to operate, it would have meant losing its reputation as an ideal investment environment and miss out on abundant opportunities.

This is why the UAE’s list of terrorist organisations has received such a great deal of attention, prompting many organisations on the list to scrap its name to avoid difficulties they or their members may pass through. More so after the UAE allowed these organisations to complain, which is the only option for these organisations to clear the names.

Attempts by some of these organisations to target UAE interests abroad is yet another evidence of the terrorist character of these groups, and will further complicate their situation and interests in the Gulf states.

By blocking the path to terrorism, draining its sources of financing and harming its economic interests constitute a blow that would help reduce its influence. It is being done in accordance with relevant laws that criminalises terrorism and its twisted methods.

In conclusion, if someone wants to invest in an ideal environment such as in the UAE, they should abandon any support of terrorism first.

Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert and specialist in economic and social development in the UAE and the GCC countries.