Long Di (FMBA 2021): A desert miracle in motion – Dubai fuels cross-border growth

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

I support financial operations and market development at a company specialising in marine and energy-related sectors, including positioning solutions, intelligent security engineering, and industrial products for oilfields and maritime use. My key responsibilities include managing cash flow, optimising fund allocation, and maintaining investor relations. Additionally, I lead overseas market expansion efforts, identifying growth opportunities for Chinese companies in global markets.

Q2. Please describe Dubai in three words.

Open, diverse, opportunity-rich.

Despite its limited oil reserves, Dubai has created a commercial miracle in the desert, transforming into an international metropolis over just a few decades. It serves as a strategic base for businesses seeking to expand across the Gulf region. Similar to Hong Kong, Dubai boasts an open and diverse culture that attracts global talent and enterprises. As Gulf economies continue to flourish, Dubai is brimming with business opportunities. That said, challenges such as strict local regulations, extreme heat, and a high cost of living can pose hurdles to professional endeavors.

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in Dubai and why?

Dubai and other Gulf countries, while affluent and economically strong, still faces gaps in infrastructure and industrial technology. This creates substantial demand in sectors such as new energy, light industrial goods, and information technology. Given China’s strength in cost-effective production, high-quality output‌, and complete supply chains, there is strong potential for cross-border collaboration that supports Dubai’s ongoing development and opens doors for professional advancement‌.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study in CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to making it happen again?

What I miss most is CUHK’s commitment to East-West cultural exchange, which broadened my horizons and deepened my global understanding. My time there instilled in me the importance of critical thinking, grounding one’s perspective in China while maintaining an international outlook. The university’s mission to cultivate innovative entrepreneurs who dare to venture overseas, explore new frontiers, and explore uncharted fields continues to inspire me. I feel profoundly fortunate and proud to be part of its alumni community.

Long Di is a Global Alumni Ambassador of CUHK Business School in UAE. If you are currently outside of Hong Kong, feel free to learn about THE PROGRAMME, connect with the GLOBAL ALUMNI AMBASSADORS in your locality, and help foster a stronger alumni community worldwide with us!