Dennis Schulz

The United Arab Emirates is emerging as a global leader in industrial development, leveraging its strategic location and forward-thinking policies to reshape its economy. With initiatives like “Make it in the Emirates” and the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, the UAE is ranked among the top nations for industrial competitiveness. The government’s ambitious Operation 300bn aims to triple the industrial sector’s GDP contribution by 2031, while Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Strategy targets doubling the manufacturing sector’s size. These bold plans reflect the UAE’s vision to become a hub for future industries, from advanced manufacturing to renewable energy. For foreign investors, particularly German businesses, the UAE presents unique opportunities. Its focus on value-added sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and low-carbon technologies, including solar PV manufacturing, aligns with Germany’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Thriving bus...

In a world that celebrates big milestones—promotion announcements, successful launches, major accomplishments—it's easy to overlook the quiet power of small wins. I used to think that only grand achievements were worth celebrating. If I didn’t hit a major goal or accomplish something that stood out, I considered the day a wash. But recently, I’ve come to realize that small wins are often the most meaningful and impactful, even if they don’t get the same attention. The first small win I acknowledged came on a particularly tough morning. I had a mountain of tasks ahead of me, and my motivation was practically nonexistent. But instead of staring at the list feeling overwhelmed, I made a decision to tackle just one thing. It was a tiny task, something that could have easily been brushed aside, but it was something I could complete. And I did. That one simple act—crossing off a single item—shifted my mindset for the day. It gave me momentum. The next day, I repeated the proc...

There was a time in my life when I felt completely adrift. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my career, my relationships felt stagnant, and I found myself questioning the path I was on. Everyone around me seemed to have their lives perfectly mapped out, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow falling behind. It was uncomfortable, frustrating, and, at times, downright scary. But looking back, I’ve realized that feeling lost was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve ever had. When you’re in that uncertain space, it’s tempting to rush toward any solution just to regain a sense of direction. That’s exactly what I tried to do. I applied for jobs I didn’t care about, made impulsive decisions, and filled my schedule with distractions. But none of it worked. The truth is, the discomfort of feeling lost doesn’t go away until you face it head-on. So, I stopped running from the uncertainty and started sitting with it. During this period, I gave myself permission t...

Life has a way of surprising us, often when we least expect it. I still remember the day everything I had carefully planned seemed to unravel. A job opportunity I was banking on fell through, and to top it off, my car decided to break down on the same day. It felt like the universe was out to get me. For a while, I sat in a haze of frustration, questioning why things had gone so wrong. But as the days passed, I realized that these curveballs weren’t just challenges—they were opportunities to grow. At first, I resisted the idea of finding a silver lining. I wanted to wallow, to feel sorry for myself, and to blame external circumstances. But after a long conversation with a close friend, I decided to reframe my perspective. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, I started asking myself, “What can I learn from this?” Losing that job opportunity made me reevaluate my career goals and consider paths I hadn’t thought about before. The car breakdown? It forced me to explore public transporta...

A few months ago, I stood in the middle of my room, completely overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I had accumulated over the years. Clothes I hadn’t worn in ages, books I hadn’t touched since college, and random trinkets I couldn’t even remember buying cluttered every corner. For the longest time, I’d ignored the mess, convincing myself that I was too busy to deal with it. But one weekend, I finally decided to tackle it head-on—and it turned out to be one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I started with the easiest task: my closet. The first few minutes were tough. Every item I pulled out came with an excuse to keep it. “I might wear this someday,” or, “This has sentimental value.” But as I went along, I realized that most of these things weren’t adding any real value to my life. They were just taking up space—physically and mentally. I adopted the “if it doesn’t spark joy, let it go” mantra, and by the end of the day, I had two big bags of clothes ready to don...

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life. We’re told that being busy means being productive, and that constantly working hard is the way to achieve our dreams. For the longest time, I believed that if I just pushed through, I’d eventually reach a point where I could relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor. But after hitting burnout one too many times, I’ve come to realize that taking breaks isn’t just acceptable—it’s crucial. The first time I allowed myself a real break, I felt like I was doing something wrong. My mind was racing with everything I “should” have been doing, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was wasting time. But as the hours passed, I noticed something unexpected: my mind started to clear, my mood improved, and I felt a renewed sense of energy. That simple act of stepping away reminded me that sometimes, the best way to be productive is to rest. Breaks have taught me the value of quality over quantity. When I’m constantly on the go, I find...

Cooking at home has become something I genuinely look forward to, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t still enjoy takeout. There’s something special about a delicious meal arriving at your door after a long day when you’re too tired to even think about cooking. But rather than having to choose between the convenience of takeout and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, I’ve found a balance that lets me appreciate the best of both worlds. When I first started cooking at home more regularly, it was because I wanted to eat healthier and save a bit of money. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that cooking was more than just a task to tick off at the end of the day. The process itself—chopping ingredients, seasoning, and watching everything come together—started to feel incredibly rewarding. There’s a sense of pride in creating something yourself, especially when it’s a meal you enjoy. Still, there are nights when cooking just isn’t on the menu. That’s where takeout fits...

When life feels overwhelming, I’ve found that the simplest solutions often work best. For me, that solution turned out to be something as simple as a daily walk. It started when I was feeling stuck in a routine that left little time to clear my head, especially after long days of work or endless to-do lists. One evening, I decided to take a short walk around my neighborhood to decompress. I had no idea then that it would turn into a habit that keeps me grounded and refreshed every single day. At first, the walks were just that—a way to get out, stretch my legs, and breathe some fresh air. But after a few days, I noticed that I felt calmer and more focused after each walk. The change of scenery, the simple rhythm of walking, and the quiet moments away from screens became a ritual I started to look forward to. My daily walk became my time to let go of stress, put things into perspective, and mentally recharge. One of the surprising things I discovered is how much a walk can boost creativ...

The UAE and Germany recently met at the Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Action to discuss expanding their partnership in the hydrogen value chain. This significant bilateral meeting brought together senior officials, including H.E. Sharif Al Olama from UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and State Secretary Stefan Wenzel from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The focus of their discussions was on boosting collaboration for clean energy, particularly hydrogen, which is crucial for both countries' climate goals. The UAE has long been a leader in renewable energy, with projects like Masdar City showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Germany, too, is a pioneer in hydrogen technology and clean energy initiatives. The partnership aims to leverage both nations' strengths to enhance hydrogen production, infrastructure, and supply chain efficiency. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s roadmap for COP28 and Germany’s...

I never thought of myself as a gardening person. The idea of spending hours pulling weeds, planting seeds, and watering plants didn’t exactly scream “relaxing” to me. But a few months ago, during a particularly stressful time, I stumbled upon an empty planter box outside and thought, “Why not?” I grabbed a few packets of seeds from the store and decided to give it a try. Little did I know that planting those seeds would spark a new passion and give me a sanctuary I never expected. At first, it was trial and error. I planted tomatoes, basil, and some flowers, all of which I had no idea how to care for. Some plants grew well; others didn’t make it. But I soon found that even the small tasks—like watering the soil or pulling up a weed—were incredibly calming. In the quiet of the early morning or the coolness of the evening, I’d spend time tending to my little garden, and each day felt like a small escape from the noise of life. What surprised me most was how therapeutic the wh...

The Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) recently concluded its inaugural International Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This two-day event gathered esteemed speakers, university students, and representatives from ministries and institutions across Asia, Africa, and Europe, all united in the mission to promote tolerance, coexistence, and peace. In his opening remarks, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of MBZUH, expressed that the conference's themes align closely with the UAE’s strategic values and the university’s commitment to building bridges of cultural understanding. He highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue as a platform for fostering national unity and strengthening values of tolerance worldwide. An exhibition was held alongside the conference, showcasing initiatives that furthered the cause of tolerance and cross-cultural communication. This was a testament to the international interest in thes...

For most of my life, I struggled with setting boundaries. I was the go-to person for favors, the one who would drop everything to help others, even when it meant pushing my own needs aside. I thought saying “yes” to everyone made me a good friend, a good colleague, and a reliable person. But over time, I started feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and even a bit resentful. I didn’t realize that constantly overextending myself was taking a toll on my well-being until I hit a breaking point. That’s when I decided it was time to learn the art of setting boundaries—and it changed everything. Setting boundaries didn’t come naturally. At first, saying “no” felt uncomfortable and guilt-ridden. I worried that people would see me as selfish or uncaring. But as I began to practice, I noticed a shift. Setting boundaries wasn’t about rejecting others; it was about respecting myself. I realized that by always putting others first, I had unintentionally neglected my own needs and priorities....