TERRITORIES | EVOLVE
«In the nineties, the main concern was guaranteeing electricity and water, so desalination plants were built. The whole glittering area of the Dubai Marina did not exist; there was only a two-lane road in the middle of the desert connecting the city to the capital Abu Dhabi. Today we travel on six-lane roads that pass by skyscrapers designed by archi-stars, high-fashion stores and residential neighborhoods». Industrial change has been just as rapid, led by an enlightened ruling class that has invested in Oil&Gas with a winning approach
43 based on three steps: involving the major international players in the sector, trusting in their best technology and acquiring technological know-how. Another important fact: today, the new Emirate managerial class is made up of highly prepared managers between 45 and 50 years of age, at most, who have studied at the most prestigious American and European universities by virtue of scholarships made available by the State». But this is not the end of the story. A broad vision of the future and the ability to look ahead have pushed the Emirates to diversify their gross domestic product, reducing their reliance on oil: this explains their decision to develop both trade and tourism as well. In fact, the port of Dubai is now the largest tourist port in the world, an important commercial hub of international traffic and the landmark of the city that is considered to be the epitome of luxury travel.
A winning approach In Sicari’s account, what is most striking is the ability of this country to face any new challenge with a constant commitment at the highest level: even in a sector like renewables (which in the United Arab Emirates is in no way connected to the wealth generated by oil), they have made significant
N° 8 - JUNE 2022