Nobody who has spent any amount of time in the UAE will be surprised to learn that the country's "brand" is advancing at a fast pace. As the London-based consultancy Brand Finance disclosed recently, we are now the third strongest "nation brand" in the world and fast closing in on Singapore and Switzerland, the top two countries.
There is more to the UAE’s ranking than international recognition, although that certainly plays a significant part. Other factors that were taken into account included each country’s image and perceptions about its quality of life, security, ease of doing business and the prevalence of corruption. The UAE’s brand is valued at $400 billion (Dh1.5 tn), making it the 29th most valuable of the 100 countries assessed.
This result is not because of a single action but the collective result of many decisions, some of which date back decades to the foundation of the country. Obvious factors include Dubai’s profusion of world-record-setting megaprojects and the success of Etihad Airways and Emirates, two of the region’s strongest commercial brands. But the notions of tolerance, stability and security on which this country was founded are less heralded but equally important.
In a sense, this country represents a series of different brands. To the Arab world, we are an exemplar of opportunity, meritocracy and how life could be, which is why the UAE regularly tops the list of countries in which Arab youth seek to work. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now seen as centres of learning and excellence, in the way Cairo, Baghdad, Beirut and Damascus once were.
To the West, we are a haven of safety and tolerance in the midst of a turbulent region, where there is the rule of law and some of the most free media in the Arab world. These factors, as much as the megaprojects and attractions like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, help explain why more visitors come here every year.
With Expo 2020 and the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi next year, we can expect our national brand to continue to grow stronger. In a region beset with strife, our success provides a powerful counternarrative to those who sow fear and violence.
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Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Country-size land deals
US interest in purchasing territory is not as outlandish as it sounds. Here's a look at some big land transactions between nations:
Louisiana Purchase
If Donald Trump is one who aims to broker "a deal of the century", then this was the "deal of the 19th Century". In 1803, the US nearly doubled in size when it bought 2,140,000 square kilometres from France for $15 million.
Florida Purchase Treaty
The US courted Spain for Florida for years. Spain eventually realised its burden in holding on to the territory and in 1819 effectively ceded it to America in a wider border treaty.
Alaska purchase
America's spending spree continued in 1867 when it acquired 1,518,800 km2 of Alaskan land from Russia for $7.2m. Critics panned the government for buying "useless land".
The Philippines
At the end of the Spanish-American War, a provision in the 1898 Treaty of Paris saw Spain surrender the Philippines for a payment of $20 million.
US Virgin Islands
It's not like a US president has never reached a deal with Denmark before. In 1917 the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25m and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.
Gwadar
The most recent sovereign land purchase was in 1958 when Pakistan bought the southwestern port of Gwadar from Oman for 5.5bn Pakistan rupees.
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What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
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