Global Quest Joins UAE's Next-Gen FDI Initiative, Driving Investment and Growth

UAE Secures Major Engineering Win as Singapore's Quest Global Establishes High-Value R&D Centers

The UAE has landed another significant foreign investment coup with Singapore-based Quest Global, a leading engineering R&D services provider with 21,000 engineers globally, joining the Emirates' Next Generation FDI initiative. The move signals the UAE's growing appeal as a regional hub for high-tech manufacturing and engineering services, particularly as global supply chains undergo fundamental restructuring.

Strategic Engineering Centers Target Regional Manufacturing

Quest Global plans to establish High-Value Engineering Centers (HVECs) across the UAE, specifically designed to serve original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with specialized R&D capabilities. These centers will focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency, advancing manufacturing processes, and driving innovation for clients in energy, aerospace, defense, and other critical sectors.

The timing appears strategic. As global manufacturers seek to diversify supply chains away from over-reliance on single regions, the UAE positions itself as an attractive alternative to traditional engineering hubs. Quest Global's 21,000-strong engineering workforce provides the scale and expertise that major OEMs require for complex R&D operations.

Aligning with UAE's Industrial Transformation Goals

The investment directly supports the UAE's "Make in Emirates" initiative, which aims to reduce external dependencies and localize supply chains. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized that Quest Global's advanced research centers will enhance the country's engineering ecosystem while developing national talent.

This approach mirrors successful strategies in Singapore and Ireland, where governments attracted high-value engineering services to build knowledge-based economies. The UAE's focus on sectors like AI, robotics, alternative energy, and hybrid aviation suggests a deliberate move toward future-oriented industries rather than traditional manufacturing.

Market Implications for Regional Competition

For investors and multinational corporations, Quest Global's move reflects broader trends in engineering services outsourcing. The UAE's regulatory environment, combined with its geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers compelling advantages for companies serving global OEM clients.

The establishment of HVECs could intensify regional competition with established engineering hubs like Bangalore, Dublin, and Eastern European centers. However, the UAE's emphasis on aerospace, defense, and energy sectors—areas where Quest Global has deep expertise—suggests a targeted approach rather than broad-based competition.

Next Generation FDI Initiative Shows Results

Since launching in 2022, the Next Generation FDI initiative has successfully attracted leading global companies across AI, robotics, alternative energy storage, hybrid aviation, and precision fermentation. Quest Global's participation validates the program's effectiveness in targeting high-impact, knowledge-intensive investments.

The initiative's success lies in its streamlined approach—offering rapid establishment procedures and expedited licensing. This contrasts with traditional FDI programs that often involve lengthy bureaucratic processes, giving the UAE a competitive edge in attracting time-sensitive technology investments.

Building a Future-Ready Engineering Ecosystem

Quest Global CEO Robert Fatter highlighted the company's commitment to supporting the UAE's knowledge economy through substantial investments in engineering capabilities and collaborative innovation culture. The company's global reach across energy, aerospace, and defense sectors aligns perfectly with the UAE's strategic economic priorities.

For the broader engineering services industry, this move signals the UAE's emergence as a serious competitor to established hubs. The combination of government support, strategic location, and focus on high-value sectors creates a compelling proposition for companies seeking to establish regional operations while serving global clients.