Capital Conversations | Inside One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Hubs

Long-term success is built on the right environment, the right partnerships and the right outlook.

As part of our Capital Conversations series spotlighting voices from across the district’s professional community, Dickon Johnstone, Founder & CEO of Themis reflects on what he has witnessed firsthand after more than a decade in the UAE.

He speaks about the emirate’s evolution into a global business hub, supported by strong regulation, access to capital and talent, and a national commitment to innovation—particularly in AI and the fight against financial crime.

He notes that collaboration between government, regulators and private enterprise has created a uniquely effective framework, one that not only protects markets but also enables companies to scale with confidence.

Beyond the commercial landscape, he also highlights the lifestyle appeal, from culture and community to the natural surroundings, all of which make the city as attractive for living as it is for building a company.