Manoj Sureka, CEO & Managing Partner of Synergy Fin. Consulting is a finance and investment leader with a track record of driving growth. Formerly Head of Commercial Banking at RAKBANK, he has held senior roles at Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Fujairah and mentors several companies.
Synergy Fin. Consulting offers fundraising advisory, M&A, and joint venture support for SMEs and corporates, connecting clients with banks, financial institutions, and investors.
The UAE is emerging as a key gateway to global capital, with over 1.4 million registered companies highlighting a dynamic business ecosystem. This growth is creating new opportunities for regional firms to attract international investment, scale globally, and engage in the UAE’s expanding role as a hub for trade, finance, and innovation.
Exclusive Interview
“The UAE has become a powerful gateway where regional businesses can access global capital.”
Q: How do you view the UAE’s current position as a gateway for global capital? The UAE is increasingly recognised as a strategic hub for global capital due to its robust financial The UAE is firmly positioned as a leading gateway for global capital, supported by strong financial infrastructure, clear regulations, and business-friendly policies. It uniquely connects regional companies with international investors while reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation, trade, and cross-border partnerships.
Q: What opportunities does the growth in registered companies present for SMEs and corporates? The surge to over 1.4 million registered companies reflects a dynamic and evolving ecosystem. For SMEs and corporates, this growth translates into enhanced networking opportunities, easier access to strategic partnerships, and a stronger platform for attracting foreign investment. It also means increased competition, pushing companies to innovate and strengthen governance and operational practices to stand out.
Q: How can UAE-based companies attract international investors effectively? Attracting international capital depends on transparency, strong governance, and a clear growth strategy. Investors seek financial clarity, scalability, and market positioning, while credible advisors help structure investment-ready propositions and connect companies with aligned investors.
Q: What role do advisory firms play in bridging local enterprises with global capital? Advisory firms act as strategic enablers, guiding companies through fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. They provide insights into investor expectations, regulatory requirements, and deal structuring, ensuring clients are well-prepared to engage with international investors. Essentially, they reduce risk and maximise opportunities for regional businesses seeking to scale.
Q: Which sectors do you see attracting the most foreign investment in the UAE? Sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, renewable energy, and healthcare are seeing heightened investor interest. These areas benefit from favourable government policies, growing consumer demand, and innovation-driven incentives. Companies in these sectors are not only attracting capital but also forming international partnerships that accelerate market entry and growth.
Q: What advice would you give regional companies aiming to scale internationally? Companies should focus on strong governance, transparent reporting, and clear strategy while building global investor networks. Successful international scaling requires aligning growth plans with market opportunities, managing risks, and establishing credibility to build investor confidence.
INVESTOR READINESS
I advise regional business leaders to engage early with international investors. In the UAE’s dynamic ecosystem, delays can hinder global growth. Treat it as a step-by-step process guided by five key questions, not just capital attraction.
- Is your governance and reporting investor-ready?
- Can your business scale across borders?
- Are you in sectors attractive to foreign investors?
- Are operations efficient and structured?
- Are risks and regulations clearly understood?
Answering these questions helps leaders spot high-impact, low-risk opportunities to engage global investors, scale, and leverage the UAE’s growing hub status.
