Almost half of UAE-based executives are responsible for bigger territories than two years ago, as UAE strengthens role as regional business centre
Business travel from the UAE has increased by 33% in last three years, more than other global hubs
Executives based in the United Arab Emirates are responsible for bigger geographic territories than ever before, research for International SOS has found, showing that the UAE is strengthening its role as a global business hub.
Some 46% of UAE-based executives report that the number of countries they work in for their companies has increased over the past two years. Over a third 37% says they do more business travel than before.
Some 18% of executives in the UAE now work across the GCC. For 11% their work spans the Middle East and North Africa. Some 6% now also work in Europe. For 3%, their responsibility includes sub-Saharan Africa.
Amongst its own clients, International SOS has seen business travel from the UAE increase by 33% over the past three years, compared to just over 16% from New York, some 14% from Singapore and just over 6% from London.
Amongst its other services, International SOS tracks business travellers, so companies know where their personnel are and can act swiftly during critical health and security events.
"This research shows that the UAE's role as a global business hub is strengthening, and that the UAE is the centre for an increasingly large geographical region," said Des Donnelly, Development Director EEMEA at International SOS. "We see this in our own business. More UAE companies and multinationals with a regional headquarters here are carefully considering their duty of care to the increasing number of employees they are sending further afield, and more often. Companies recognise that when they ask employees to travel they need to know the health and security risks, work to mitigate them and be ready to act if problems do happen."
Health and security threats in the broader region, such as Ebola and ongoing conflicts, have led to a decrease in confidence amongst some travelling executives. Some 20% report that they are more concerned about travel than they were a year ago.
International SOS is the world's leading medical and travel security risk services company, with over 11,000 employees - including 1,200 physicians and 200 security specialists - operating in more than 89 countries
The company operates a worldwide network of assistance centres, including the assistance centre in Dubai, clinics, and health and logistics providers, and offers local expertise, preventative advice, and emergency assistance during critical illness, accident, or civil unrest.
About the research
The research was carried out by YouGov on behalf of International SOS. The fieldwork took place in January 2015. The data was collated via an online survey of 500 respondents, including Account Manager, Account Director, GM, Director, VP and C-Suite executives.
About International SOS
International SOS (internationalsos.com) is the world's leading medical and travel security risk services company. We care for clients across the globe, from more than 700 locations in 89 countries.
Our expertise is unique: More than 11,000 employees are led by 1,200 physicians and 200 security specialists. Teams work night and day to protect our members.
We have pioneered a range of preventative programmes with in-country expertise and emergency assistance during critical illness, accident or civil unrest. We are passionate about helping clients put 'Duty of Care' into practice. With us multinational corporate clients, governments and NGOs can mitigate risks for their people working remotely or overseas.
Media contacts
Anna Smith
Blue Rubicon
Anna.Smith@bluerubicon.com
+9710554165599
Todd Binkowski
International SOS, Dubai
todd.binkowski@internationalsos.com
+971 4 601 8770
© Press Release 2015
