I was privileged to join the Hogan Lovells conference on Championing Africa in July. An important discussion was around creating a positive environment during crisis and some very inspirational ideas were exchanged. True leadership is continuing to do exceptional things even during challenging times. Everyone is dealing with similar challenges today; what makes a prodigious leader who is able to manage through fear unknown to our times?



There are some countries that have walked the talk and none better than the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that has been our home for the last 31 years. The region has seen the worst crisis with oil prices flirting at the lowest in a decade, tourism coming to a standstill, Expo 2020 Dubai and a host of other conferences being postponed, the airline industry being annihilated and a massive exodus of expatriates resulting from job losses. The initial response caused by uncertainty was no different than in all other parts of the world; the fear of the unknown was evident in the decision-making. The gloom from Europe and the United States gave cause to get into a huddle to find short-term solutions mainly to slow down the spread of the pandemic. The initial shutdowns followed by the easing of restrictions, brought back a sense of relief and confidence but more than anything, there were several factors that gave citizens comfort.



The first was the visibility of the leaders. From time immemorial, soldiers on the battlefield fought relentlessly as long as they saw their flag flying; it gave them hope. In today’s context, this confidence comes from leaders who have the fortitude to stand before their people and give them an accurate picture of the crisis; the good and the bad. The UAE leadership kept everyone updated regarding the healthcare facilities and challenges, causes for the spread but more importantly, the tangible steps being taken to address the pandemic.



The second was the integrity of the community in general. The UAE is the unprejudiced home to 150 nationalities and is the greatest melting pot of cultures. It was overwhelming to see people help each other in small but meaningful ways. The governance in the country was strengthened to a point where predatory or mercenary conduct was completely nonexistent; there have been no examples of covid-preneurs or carpetbaggers during this period. There is nothing worse than witnessing the soulless profiteering from the misfortune of others.



The third was in catalyzing community activities and fund-raisers to help the needy. Campaigns requesting contributions of US$ 2 per meal were initiated to provide millions of food packets to the needy which not only helped people that were suffering but the orders were placed with small business owners who could provide the food packets at a time when restaurants were closed. The government does not have the resources to meet every need of its constituents but acts as a catalyst to bring stakeholders together and achieve multi-dimensional results.



The fourth was the celebration of stories of personal sacrifice and selflessness, initiatives of the public and private sector and the announcement of new initiatives and projects. At every opportunity, the government recognized citizens who had helped others, the sacrifice of healthcare workers, the police department and many other stakeholders. It regularly announced the infrastructure and healthcare plans that were being prepared and the resources being deployed in dealing with the pandemic. Being an economically developed nation, the UAE has also assisted countries as far away as Brazil and has received the appreciation of global leaders. Additionally, as some projects and activities (Expo 2020 Dubai) were being delayed, the country announced and celebrated the launch of Orbiter Hope, its Mars Mission, on 19th July 2020 and its nuclear energy project that would supplement the energy needs of the country.



The fifth example was in finding opportunities in the crisis. Other than ensuring that the services, including judicial and immigration, remained uninterrupted there was an effort from the government to ensure that it stayed alert to the changing environment and adapted to the needs of the present. The situation in March was very different and armed with the knowledge of what worked and what didn’t, the government took bold decisions to manage some of its crisis sectors. The badly-hit Emirates and Etihad airlines remained open for business by taking stranded passengers from different parts of the world and rather than focus on the crisis and layoffs, the only messaging was on the various initiatives that were being taken and the routes being opened. Similarly, the country will now play host to the annual Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament which is a star-studded tournament hosted annually in India. This will turn around the complete hospitality industry from September to November this year. Additionally, as the Chinese government is facing difficulties finding friends, the UAE will play host to scores of companies that are setting up to take advantage of the geographic location and connectivity of the country.



Finally, the government recognized the value and proactively engaged the media to ensure that the messaging was accurate, timely and balanced. Nothing is more damaging than misinformed or irresponsible media at a time of crisis and it is in the hands of the government to ensure that proper touch points are established to provide information so that there is no speculation on critical matters. This element of external communications is so important to provide comfort not only to your own people but also to the international community that is engaging at different levels; tourism, investments, trade, commerce, sports etc.



We need to learn from what people around us are doing right and stay positive. Roy T. Bennett said it aptly in his book, The Light in the Heart: “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” The only way to span a crisis is to stay positive and innovate.

Rakesh Wahi

Remaining Positive In Crisis: What The UAE Got Right

What brings you to Johannesburg?
I am here to raise awareness about Expo 2020 that takes place in Dubai, whether it is from a business participation perspective, nations for their impact people providing innovations, or solutions that we can showcase to the world at this Expo. This is the first world expo in our region, so the developing world hasn’t had an easier access of showcasing their developments to the world.
What is the current link between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Africa?
Historically, there have been a lot of ties between the UAE and Africa. The UAE is at the center of Africa and Asia. Between these two regions, you have some of the world’s largest growing economies and the largest growing societies. What we want to make sure is that we capitalize on that relationship, to bring value for both parties and the world.
There is an initiative, called Expo Live. It is a $100 million fund that supports innovation around mobility, sustainability and opportunity, with a social impact component. It supports grant recipients with an opportunity for unlocking potential for people and communities to be able to succeed in access to funding, in access to education, in access to markets, supporting entrepreneurs, empowering women and empowering youth. All of these are access to opportunities. …So far we have 45 recipients that have been grantees of Expo Live. From the 45, 14 operate or are from Africa.
You’ve been instrumental in regional business development and integration, where do you see Africa positioned in terms of global business?
There is huge potential in Africa. African nations have done a tremendous job in really leveraging their assets. I am not just talking about its natural resources, I am also talking about the educated young population. From a geographical perspective as well as historical relationship between Africa and the UAE, we want to make sure that this expo provides opportunities. In 2017 we have awarded about $3 billion in contracts – construction and non-construction related. On top of that we will have 180 nations participating in our expo. These nations will need help in terms of design, construction and content and exhibits. On top of that we will have 25 million visits to our expo during a six-month period. We will need all kinds of services. The expo is a huge opportunity for businesses that already have the capability, in terms of resources, brain power and passion, to be able to deliver to the world.
What attracted you to Expo 2020?
We live in a world that is so connected we can no longer say ‘it is not my problem, it does not affect me’. That is not right. Sooner or later it will affect everyone. That is why the social impact component is critical.
Each nation should have its own voice. It doesn’t matter how big your country is, in terms of land or the economy. If we really want to solve the world’s pressing challenges, everyone has to be on equal footing. Everyone has a voice towards that solution.
Do you see African cities attracting global events, like Expo 2020?
Already in South Africa you have an ability to host; you’ve had the 2010 World Cup that had so much energy, the rest of the world watching wanted to be here and be a part of it. For any major event there are certain criteria that you need. You need a solid infrastructure, you need a strong hospitality sector, in terms of hotels services and food and beverages. From a communications perspective, you need to be able to tell the stories. You need a safe environment. You need support from the business community and from the people of the community itself. There are a lot of African nations that have made great strides in all of these areas.

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Remaining Positive In Crisis: What The UAE Got Right

‘We Can No Longer Say It Is Not My Problem’