When I first landed in Dubai in the late 1980s, I couldn’t have imagined that one day I’d be guiding U.S. companies and economic development leaders through the maze (and magic) of doing business in the Arab Gulf. Back then, Dubai was a city of souks and a single iconic tower. Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that what seems ambitious here is usually just a preview of what’s next.

At Anne Jafery & Co., I draw on my nearly three decades of living and working in the region, building businesses, forging partnerships, and, yes, occasionally being proven wrong by the speed of change. My clients, whether they’re seasoned exporters or just starting to look east, come to me for more than a market report. They want the real story: what works, what doesn’t, and how to read the room when the room is full of people from everywhere.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Success in the GCC isn’t just about knowing the regulations or having the right product. It’s about understanding the rhythm of relationships, the nuances that don’t show up in a PowerPoint, and the unspoken rules that can make or break a deal. I’ve spent years translating between cultures, sometimes literally, often figuratively, and I’ve come to appreciate that “when in Rome” is more than a cliché; it’s a survival strategy.

I’m not your typical consultant. I’m the one who will tell you when your pitch doesn’t land, help you see around corners, and share the lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. If you’re looking for someone who blends practical advice with a healthy dose of real-world perspective (and maybe a story or two about the early days in the region), let’s talk.

I believe in using tools including AI and big data, but business is personal. If you’re ready to move beyond the generic playbook and want an advisor who knows the region, and what it takes to succeed here, let’s connect.
www.ajafery.co


Anne Jafery & Co.

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Anne Jafery & Co.

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