NICK CANDY: What London’s Mayor can be taught from Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s leaders as they resist Iran assaults – and why Britain’s flat-footed response is mourned within the UAE
Periods of geopolitical tension naturally create uncertainty for investors, residents and governments alike. Yet if there is one thing experience in the Middle East has taught me, it is that the region – and the United Arab Emirates in particular – has an extraordinary ability to remain calm, resilient and forward-looking even during uncertain times.
Gulf states like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have built their global reputation not simply on ambition, but on stability, leadership and long-term vision.
We have seen this resilience time and time again. During the global financial crisis in 2008, many predicted that Dubai’s remarkable growth story might falter. Instead, the city doubled down on infrastructure, connectivity and international partnerships. The result was an even stronger recovery and a new era of development that continues to reshape the skyline today.
The same pattern emerged during the Covid pandemic. While many global cities struggled with uncertainty and prolonged periods of disruption, the UAE leadership acted decisively – reopening safely, supporting businesses and maintaining confidence in the economy. Dubai in particular emerged from the pandemic stronger than almost any major city in the world.
This week, the UAE has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of real security threats. It has intercepted more missiles than any other Gulf state and has continued to maintain strong and effective defence systems while keeping the country safe and open. Just as important is the visible confidence of its leadership – from clear communication to moments such as President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan being seen calmly among residents in places like Dubai Mall. It sends a powerful signal that the leadership is present, trusted and standing with its people.
France has stepped forward on the international stage, placing its squadron based in Abu Dhabi at the disposal of regional defence efforts, while Italy has moved to send additional air defence systems. Yet Britain has appeared curiously flat-footed. It is said, in sorrow rather than anger by many in the region, that the United Kingdom is in danger of becoming increasingly irrelevant in moments that demand leadership.
It is precisely this combination of decisive leadership and unwavering optimism that makes the UAE so unique. Even during these periods of regional tension, investors and residents understand that the long-term trajectory remains firmly positive.
As someone who has spent many years building relationships across the region, I have seen first-hand how committed the UAE’s leadership is to long-term stability and prosperity. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to invest in infrastructure, technology, tourism and financial services at a scale few other cities can match.
Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy has said London has the ‘potential to rediscover its energy and confidence’ but the ‘key will be leadership’
Smoke was seen rising from Dubai International airport as it suspended operations on Sunday
Pictured: Dubai International airport on Sunday after flights resumed
Of course, as a proud Londoner, a piece of my heart remains firmly in the UK’s capital. London is still one of the greatest cities in the world, but it would be wrong to ignore that London faces significant challenges today.
Rising crime, declining investor confidence and years of political mismanagement have taken their toll. Many international investors who once saw London as their first destination now look elsewhere. That is deeply concerning for anyone who cares about the future of our capital.
But London’s story is far from finished. Just as the UAE has repeatedly demonstrated resilience and renewal, London, too, has the potential to rediscover its energy and confidence. But the key will be leadership.
London needs a mayor with an unwavering belief in growth, enterprise and restoring pride in our city. Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s candidate for London mayor, represents a new generation of leadership – one that understands the importance of safety, investment and international competitiveness.
With the right direction, London can once again take its place on the world stage and become the most attractive global city for entrepreneurs, investors and families alike.
The world today is navigating a period of significant geopolitical tension. But history reminds us that great cities and great nations are defined not by moments of uncertainty, but by how they respond to them.
The UAE has shown the world what resilience, vision and leadership can achieve. Dubai and Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly continue to grow and prosper, just as they have after every challenge they have faced before.
And with the right leadership at home, I believe London can do the same.
Both regions share something fundamental – a belief in opportunity, ambition and the power of global connection. Those are values worth protecting and fighting for.
