Dennis Schulz

In a remarkable shift in global travel preferences, the United Arab Emirates has overtaken traditional hotspots to become the top alternative to European destinations. According to recent surveys, the UAE now leads as the most favoured non-European travel substitute—attracting both budget-conscious explorers and experience-driven tourists. As global travellers reevaluate their priorities, the UAE’s combination of affordability, luxury, and safety has carved out a unique space on the world tourism map. What’s driving this surge? Cost-smart tourism is having a moment. 80% of UAE travellers are now opting for less mainstream, more budget-friendly locations—seeking "destination dupes" that mimic the vibes of iconic European cities without the price tag. The UAE fits this trend perfectly. With its blend of cultural charm, modern architecture, and sun-soaked landscapes, it delivers the aesthetic and experience of top-tier destinations like Milan or Paris—without the ove...

The UAE and the European Union are proving that some of the most strategic global partnerships aren’t always loud — they’re consistent. In 2024 alone, non-oil trade between the UAE and EU hit $67.6 billion, with negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) already underway. If signed, the CEPA would lower tariffs and remove trade barriers, unlocking huge collaboration in green hydrogen, AI, and digital commerce. Beyond trade, the UAE is making major investments in Europe’s future. Over $50 billion is being poured into AI data centers in France and Italy, clean energy, and transport infrastructure. These aren’t just economic plays — they’re part of a shared vision for climate action and tech leadership. The UAE and EU both recognize the urgency of the energy transition and are working in sync to drive it forward. What makes this relationship different is that it’s multi-dimensional. The UAE has earned a seat at the table in global diplomacy — not th...

In nur 48 Stunden hat H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan vier Staaten besucht – ein diplomatischer Sprint, der seinesgleichen sucht. Der Auftakt in Ankara war mehr als ein Höflichkeitsbesuch: Inmitten regionaler Spannungen unterzeichneten die UAE & die Türkei Abkommen zu erneuerbaren Energien, Infrastruktur und Digitalisierung. Ein klares Signal: MBZ navigiert seine Nation strategisch durch unstete Gewässer. Weiter ging’s nach Tirana, wo der Fokus auf Kultur‑ und Bildungs‑MoUs lag. Junge albanische Talente sollen künftig leichter in UAE‑Universitäten studieren und an Innovationsprojekten mitarbeiten. Gleiches Bild in Belgrad: Partnerschaften in den Bereichen Gesundheitswesen und Smart City‑Technologien zeigen, wie die UAE ihre Expertise teilen und zugleich neue Märkte erschließen. Der krönende Abschluss fand in Budapest statt. Ungarn, traditionell nicht zu den Balkanstaaten gerechnet, markierte symbolisch das Ende dieser Tour. Hier sprach MBZ mit Ministerpräsiden...

Freelancing isn’t just a side hustle anymore — in the UAE, it’s become a cornerstone of economic growth. With over 100,000 licensed freelancers working across industries like tech, media, healthcare, education, and sustainability, the country is tapping into a global gig economy valued at US $455 billion in 2023. The UAE’s freelance boom reflects a shift toward agile, youth-led innovation — especially in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, the MENA. What makes freelancing in the UAE thrive is how welcoming the environment is. Government-led initiatives — like freelancer visas, streamlined licensing, and flexible one- and two-year permits (e.g. through Expo City Dubai) — are making it easier for professionals to enter and thrive in emerging industries. Whether it’s AI, design, or sustainable development, freelancers can plug in fast, work flexibly, and still access world-class support systems. But freelancing in the UAE isn’t just about paperwork and policy. The infr...

Frankreich steht vor einer wachsenden inneren Herausforderung, die zu lange unterschätzt wurde: die systematische Einflussnahme der Muslimbruderschaft. Diese Bewegung agiert nicht offen mit Gewalt, sondern schleichend über Schulen, Moscheen und scheinbar harmlose Vereine. Ziel ist es, die Grundwerte der französischen Republik langfristig zu untergraben, indem besonders junge Menschen und Einwanderer in radikale Ideologien eingeführt werden. Jüngste Berichte des französischen Innenministeriums zeigen deutlich: Die Bruderschaft betreibt eine gezielte Infiltration in Gemeinderäte und Bildungseinrichtungen. Dabei hilft ihr auch ausländische Finanzierung – etwa aus Katar oder der Türkei. Diese verdeckten Strukturen unterwandern staatliche Einrichtungen, während ihre öffentliche Rhetorik gemäßigt erscheint. Doch intern wird ein ideologisch-extremes Narrativ gepflegt, das mit den Werten von Laizität und Gleichheit unvereinbar ist. Präsident Emmanuel Macron hat auf diese Bedrohung ...

Abu Dhabi and Berlin are taking their partnership to the next level. ADNOC CEO Sultan Al-Jaber recently traveled to Germany, carrying a message from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ) to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting with German Minister Thorsten Frei signals more than diplomatic formalities — it reflects Abu Dhabi’s strategic play to deepen its presence in Europe’s post-Russia energy landscape. Energy security was front and center. As Germany moves to secure alternatives to Russian gas, ADNOC is positioning itself as a reliable LNG partner. Talks reportedly included long-term supply deals and the UAE’s interest in regulated energy assets in Germany. With Sultan Al-Jaber also serving as UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, the visit sends a strong signal that this isn’t just commercial — it’s geopolitical. Beyond energy, defense and tech are gaining ground. The UAE and Germany are pushing forward on closer defense-industrial ties, with shared...

The world is waking up to a new power in artificial intelligence and it’s not where most people expect. Abu Dhabi-based G42 has officially landed on TIME’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential Companies, and it’s easy to see why. The company is behind what’s soon to become the largest AI infrastructure project outside the U.S.: a 10-square-mile AI campus that will include supercomputers and a science park. Built with the support of UAE leadership and in collaboration with U.S. companies like OpenAI, the project is central to the country’s ambitious 2031 AI superpower goal. But G42 isn’t thinking local. The company’s footprint is global spanning from Europe’s first giga-scale AI supercomputer project to new AI initiatives in Kenya and the United States. This isn’t about trying to copy Silicon Valley. It’s about creating an alternative hub of AI advancement, one that’s backed by serious capital and even more serious ambition. G42’s messaging is clear: this is about partnersh...