In Pictures: UAE business chiefs mark Year of the 50th and prepare for the next

Place a marker on what’s been achieved by the country in these 50 years, take a breather, and then get on with chasing the next round of growth. That’s what the UAE Government, its people and businesses are setting themselves up for from December 2, 2021. UAE-based business chiefs, of domestic origin and those basing their operations here, are all set.

“This is the country where I had dreams of doing something big - and this great nation helped me beyond all measure,” said Yussufali, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group. “I have spent five decades of my life here. And In the year of the 50th, we will be with the Nation every step of the way.”

“Observing the National Day is also a call for Emiratis to continue the development and progress, inspired by the ‘Spirit of the Union’ as the driving force that motivates us to work day and night to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness in all areas,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. “On this day, we reaffirm our loyalty and belonging to our wise leadership and pledge to continue our sincere and hard work to protect the national gains and achievements, while participating in shaping the UAE’s future in the next 50 years, and make it the world’s leading nation by its Centennial in 2071.”

“The ease of doing business is what makes the UAE stand out - and that’s what helped create thousands of new ventures each year,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman of Danube Group. “If we ever went back in time, I would not have a second thought as to where I should launch my business – it will be right here. Going forward, there will be many more who will have that same thought.”

“I’m proud - and lucky - to see the achievements our country made in the past 50 years, our leadership has made UAE one of top countries with advances in so many areas,” said Abdulla Al Maeeni, a senior official in the federal government. “Joining the government is taking on a big responsibility towards the country’s growth. I joined the government to be part of the development and UAE Story.

The whole world will celebrate December 2 as ‘International Day of the Future’,” said Laila Mohammed Suhail, Board Member and Chairperson – Marketing at Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and CEO for Strategic Alliance and Partnerships. “What more can make us proud?”

“When I came to the UAE in 2003, I had these aspirations, these ambitions about what I wanted to do here and what I wanted to achieve,” said P.N.C. Menon, Chairman of Sobha Realty. “I am happy to say that I grew and the country helped me to grow. I am sure for the next generation of talent that will come to the UAE, it will be the same. Thank you UAE.”

“The UAE has shown the world how create new businesses and business categories from scratch,” said Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director of Joyalukkas. “This is exactly what forward thinking policies have achieved in the gold and diamond trade – and that’s why Dubai and the UAE have come global hubs.”

“The UAE is known for its adaptability - the diverse nature of people residing in UAE has made it possible for UAE to absorb and adapt trends as soon as it happens,” said Dr. Dhananjay Datar, Chairman and Managing Director at Al Adil Group. “This is not limited to any sector - rather it is applicable for all activities, including in the society, healthcare, retail and more.”

“As the UAE federal export credit company, Etihad Credit Insurance has been playing a catalyst role in propelling the UAE businesses to greater heights through our bespoke trade credit insurance solutions,” said Massimo Falcioni, CEO. “We will continue pursuing our vision to accelerate economic diversification and non-oil trade in line with the country's economic agenda. And we look forward to the next 50 years in confidence to further position the country as a leading business and trading hub.”

“The 50th national day signifies shows how this great nation has progressed to be among the best nations. This is proved by the fact that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said that in the future UAE National Day will be celebrated as an International Day of Future,” said Harish Tahiliani, Managing Director, Arab & India Spices. “I am proud to have witnessed a majority of this growth being in this country for the past three decades.”

Ahmed Shaikhani, President, Pakistan Business Council, Dubai, said, “UAE’s economic, social, residency reforms, citizenship to special talents and inter-faith harmony has positioned it as a talent magnet in the Middle East region. These credentials have made UAE a role-model in the GCC region. Being the safest countries in the world makes UAE more livable where expatriates spend longer duration of residency than the other Middle Eastern countries.”