VARIO study trip to the United Arab Emirates

Last week, VARIO went on a study trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), together with a diverse and dynamic group of stakeholders. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, VARIO visited a wide range of organisations, universities, companies, investors, government agencies, and more. The local FIT office supported VARIO in organising these visits.

The UAE differ from Flanders in many ways, but their development model offers valuable insights. Despite the absence of a representative democracy, the country’s leaders are steering an ambitious long-term strategy focused on prosperity and future-oriented sectors such as sustainable energy, AI and digital infrastructure, and health. The UAE present themselves as an international talent magnet: an explicit policy of openness and tolerance underpins strong globalisation.

Ecosystems are deliberately designed around strategic domains, which accelerates the pace and scale of innovation. Their capacity for implementation is remarkable: a combination of high ambition, rapid decision-making, and a distinctly business-friendly framework attracts (international) companies and investors. While the emphasis today lies more on commercialization than on domestic R&D, this is rapidly evolving along with the young innovation ecosystem.

Like Singapore – the destination of VARIO’s 2023 study trip – the UAE show how vision, integration, and execution power can transform a region. Their central geographic location and significant financial clout further accelerate this development. For Flanders, the UAE offer concrete opportunities for collaboration and business.

VARIO will publish a report on the study trip soon.

VARIO-linkedIn post on Dubai
VARIO-linkedIn post on Abu Dhabi
VARIO-linkedIn post on takeaways
Report VARIO study trip Singapore