Entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary recently appeared on World of Travel: The Podcast, sharing his connections to the Middle East and the significance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in his life.
“I’m half Lebanese and half Irish, so I’ve spent much of my life in that region. I’ve lived in places like Cyprus and Beirut, and I’ve even visited Syria and Yemen. These experiences have really shaped who I am,” O’Leary noted.
He pointed out that the cultures of Lebanon and the UAE share similarities, particularly in family dynamics and social structure, which made him feel welcomed. “It’s interesting—this country is only 53 years old, and my father played a role in building Abu Dhabi’s water system alongside its founders,” he added.
O’Leary’s interest in the UAE was also fueled by its rapid technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence. His passion for watch collecting draws him to events like Dubai Watch Week, which he regards as a pivotal gathering in the watch industry.
When asked about rumors surrounding his UAE citizenship, O’Leary clarified, “It’s actually a golden visa for residence. We have to secure that first before obtaining full citizenship.” He emphasized that his growing focus on AI is essential to establishing a stake in the Middle East.
“If you observe the AI landscape, it’s quite vast,” he said. “The US leads in spending, followed by China, and then the UAE, which surprises many. They specialize in creating adaptive agents. It’s like transforming yourself into another version to be present anywhere at any time. My wife finds that idea somewhat unsettling.”
For O’Leary, this isn’t just theoretical. “We’ve actually developed AI Kevin in Abu Dhabi!” he shared. “I’ll return soon to further enhance the model.”
His excitement captures a broader sentiment: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are becoming global innovation testbeds. O’Leary seems drawn to the country’s boldness in experimentation.
While filming World of Travel in the UAE, our team experienced this spirit firsthand. From exhilarating skydives over the coastline to swimming with sharks at a unique aquarium in the bustling Dubai Mall, and even exploring coral reefs and desert landscapes—each moment showcased a nation pushing creative boundaries.
Yet, beyond the futuristic buildings and thrilling adventures, what truly stood out was the UAE’s forward-looking mindset.
As filmmakers, our focus isn’t merely on promoting destinations; we aim to uncover what really defines them. The UAE provided insights into how vision and identity can shape a nation and its narratives.
