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Gulf Business Feature: How Dubai continues to accelerate growth and investment

04 Sep 2026 2 min read

In an interview with Gulf Business, Sameer Abdi, Partner and Head of Advisory at Grant Thornton UAE, shares his perspective on the key factors driving Dubai’s economic growth and the increasingly important role of the financial services sector in supporting the emirate’s long-term ambitions. 

This feature highlights:

  • Dubai’s evolution from a regional banking centre into a diversified international financial hub, connecting capital flows across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and strengthening its position as a gateway for international investment. 
  • The growing contribution of the financial services sector to Dubai’s economy, driven by strong activity across banking, wealth management, asset management, advisory services, capital markets and cross-border investment. 
  • The multiplier effect of financial services on the wider economy, supporting growth across real estate, professional services, technology, construction and other adjacent sectors through increased investment and business activity.
  • The opportunities created by Dubai’s increasing connectivity to international capital markets, alongside the importance of maintaining resilience through strong regulation, innovation, risk management and economic diversification.
  • The key priorities required to sustain momentum, including talent development, regulatory innovation, technology investment, cybersecurity and the continued attraction of global institutions, capital and expertise.

The interview reinforces Dubai’s growing role as a leading global financial centre and highlights how financial services are becoming a key engine of economic growth, supporting the emirate’s long-term vision under the D33 agenda.

Experts / Authors

  • Sameer Abdi Sameer brings over 25 years of global experience in M&A, financial services, technology, and real estate. He has led cross-border transactions and strategic advisory mandates for sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and private family offices, delivering over $10 billion in transaction value across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. View Profile
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