Quest Global, a leading engineering research and development company based in Singapore, has joined the Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment initiative. This initiative aims to attract high-impact companies from around the world to establish regional hubs in the United Arab Emirates by offering essential market entry foundations, including rapid establishment and expedited licensing processes.
Following its inclusion in the initiative, Quest Global plans to set up “high-value engineering centers” within the UAE. These centers will be dedicated to serving specific clients, functioning as specialized research and development hubs for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). They will play a crucial role in supporting OEMs in achieving their strategic goals by enhancing supply chain efficiency, developing manufacturing processes, and fostering innovation. This move aligns with the UAE’s strategy to reduce reliance on external sources, localize supply chains, and develop national competencies and talents.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, welcomed Quest Global’s participation in the Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment initiative and the establishment of a strong presence in the UAE market, indicating that this step reflects the country’s position as a platform for growth.
He stated, “The Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment initiative continues to attract ambitious companies with visionary strategies, like Quest Global, to the UAE. By enhancing our engineering ecosystem and offering tailored services to manufacturing firms, the advanced research centers established by this company will support our industrial transformation goals, improve productivity, and develop national talent. Additionally, Quest Global’s involvement in the initiative reinforces the UAE’s status as a leading business hub that facilitates expansion into regional and global markets.”
Robert Watter, CEO of Quest Global, expressed, “We are thrilled to be among the companies selected to join the Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment initiative. We collaborate with over 21,000 engineers worldwide, acting as a strategic partner in engineering and human resource development for leading global firms in sectors such as energy, aerospace, and defense, thereby contributing to their developmental and operational objectives. As part of the Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment program, we affirm our commitment to support our clients’ ambitions in the UAE by investing in the establishment of high-value engineering centers, which will provide the necessary scale, depth, and diversity in competencies and talents to support the ‘Make in the UAE’ initiative and bolster the knowledge economy in the country.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Next Generation Foreign Direct Investment initiative has enabled a range of leading global companies to establish a presence in the UAE, contributing to the advancement of future economic sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, alternative energy, storage, hybrid aviation, and precision fermentation.