Dubai’s connectivity remains strong in an uncertain world

Rania Tadros, Middle East Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood

In my 13 years in Dubai, I have seen a lot of change. The city has grown into one of the world’s leading centres for finance, commodities, technology, and professional services. Its success has always rested on its ability to adapt and provide companies with more certainty in an uncertain world, underpinned by long-term investment in infrastructure and institutions that enable companies to thrive.

One of Dubai’s key advantages has been its global connectivity – it is one of the reasons that as a shipping lawyer I was attracted to the region. Sitting between East and West, with world-class ports, airports and railways, Dubai gives companies access to the Gulf, Africa, Asia and Europe from one base, and over decades has built an operating environment, where infrastructure, finance, law, logistics and professional services work together.

The business ecosystem we see today has been fostered by the integration of all these elements. The growth of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) reinforces this, drawing financial institutions, professional advisers and decision-makers. DIFC passed 10,000 active registered companies for the first time in 2026, with more than 50,000 people working in the hub, reflecting the confidence that firms have in Dubai as a stable operating environment.

People and businesses are also drawn to the diversity in Dubai – as President of the Women in Shipping and Trade Association of the UAE, I see first-hand how the operating environment supports and empowers women operating in traditionally male-dominated industries, a testament to the inclusive business culture of the city.

As working days at the beginning of the conflict this year were punctuated by the sound of phone alerts, people could have been forgiven for being concerned about the future economic success of the region.

However, as we have seen, Dubai’s resilience and capacity for change are its strengths. In deeply uncertain times, businesses across the world seek confidence that transactions can be completed, and disruption and disputes managed. They need legal certainty, regulatory clarity, enforceable contracts and advisers who can help them move from strategy to execution. Dubai provides this through an established legal framework, internationally recognised courts and arbitration centres, and a regulatory environment designed to support international business. In that regard, Dubai has not changed, and its strong legal standing helps businesses not just support commerce but reduces risk.

Dubai, and the UAE as a whole, has recognised the challenges arising from the conflict, and again is adapting to provide continuity and confidence across the country. Take for example the planned expansion of the Port of Fujairah which will add capacity outside the Strait and facilitate global cargo flows.

The 50-year concession agreement in Fujairah, formally signed in July 2026, will see two multipurpose ports developed on the UAE’s Arabian Sea coast. This maritime expansion will be connected to Dubai through DP World’s domestic logistics network, facilitating cargo flows while also adding port capacity outside the Strait of Hormuz. This exemplifies the continued work being done by the Dubai business ecosystem to meet increased future demand.

Dubai’s success has always rested on its ability to adapt. Having spent 13 years here, I am proud to call it home and remain passionate about its success. Dubai has a long history of responding to change rather than being defined by it, and that is the lesson I keep coming back to. The city’s success has never been built on standing still, but on recognising challenges, adapting to them and continuing to look ahead. In an unpredictable world, that remains one of its greatest strengths.