Why has Croatia so far been bypassed by more serious capital from the Middle East?
I believe it’s the result of several factors. Croatia has not yet strategically and continuously promoted itself in the Middle Eastern market, which demands presence, relationships, and trust built over years. Additionally, investors from the Emirates often lacked structured and easily accessible information about the Croatian market and concrete projects. Croatia simply wasn’t their first association when thinking about investing in Europe.
However, it’s important to point out that Croatia hasn’t been entirely bypassed. Interest exists, and we already have examples of serious investments—such as the acquisition of Sunčani Hvar and Bluesun hotels by Eagle Hills from the UAE. These are concrete indicators that the Middle East recognizes the potential of Croatian tourism. We also see a growing number of individual investments in real estate, energy, and logistics, particularly along the coast and in Istria.
On the other hand, there are positive developments at the institutional level. Croatian diplomacy, economic institutions, and relevant ministries are increasingly recognizing the importance of economic diplomacy and active promotion in markets like the Gulf. This is a significant step forward.
This is exactly why we founded the UAE–Croatia Business Club — to further strengthen that connection, to serve as a bridge between institutions and investors, and to support projects that have potential but require greater visibility, context, and reliable contacts. Our goal is long-term cooperation based on trust, results, and partnership.
You founded the Club with the goal of economic diplomacy—what exactly do you do?
The UAE–Croatia Business Club acts as a platform that connects the economies of the two countries through concrete initiatives. We focus on building business contacts, organizing delegations, business forums, educational sessions, and presentations about Croatia as an investment destination. But our work goes deeper—we’ve established connections with key ministries, diplomatic representatives, and trade organizations in both countries.
We’ve established cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Delegation of the European Union in the Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Chambers, and many other institutions. One of our most significant accomplishments is initiating the process of establishing the Croatian Business Council within Dubai Chambers—a permanent institutional body that will serve Croatian companies as support for entering the Emirati market. Our approach is clear: we build structures that deliver long-term results through investments, partnerships, and international promotion of the Croatian economy.
Let me be clear—I'm not promoting a project like "Belgrade Waterfront" as a commercial Arab investment in Serbia, but do such projects make sense in Croatia?
At the UAE–Croatia Business Club, we focus exclusively on sustainable and strategic investments—in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, technology, and education. We don’t promote projects that are only ‘impressive on paper’, but those that have long-term value and economic sense for both sides.
In cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Economy and with the support of Minister Al Marri, we are working on organizing the visit of a vetted delegation of Emirati investors to Croatia. These are investors with serious portfolios and experience, and the entire process is carried out with the support of Croatian institutions. Our goal is not to create an illusion of investment—but to create real opportunities that can enhance the Croatian economy.
Is there interest in Croatia from Arab capital?
There is definite interest from Arab capital—and not just in theory, but very concretely. However, this interest must be addressed properly. Investors from the UAE and the wider region are looking for projects that are legally and operationally clean, with transparency, professional preparation, and a predictable institutional framework.
What is often lacking is clear information in English, a local partner who understands both the Croatian and Arab context, and someone to guide them through the administrative and legal system. This is exactly the role taken on by the UAE–Croatia Business Club—as a bridge between two cultures and economies. We don’t offer them a real estate catalog; we offer them a broader context—from institutional meetings and regulatory preparation to connecting them with reliable Croatian partners. Our goal is long-term cooperation, not a one-time placement of capital.
So let me ask you again—what are you offering to reverse the situation and make Croatia attractive to such serious capital that has yet to shine in our country?
First and foremost, we offer a structured and personalized approach to investors. The UAE–Croatia Business Club acts as an operational point of connection between Croatian projects and Middle Eastern capital. We don’t wait for investors to ‘discover’ us—we actively invite them, prepare materials in the language of the market, organize meetings, help them understand the Croatian system, and connect them with relevant institutions and partners.
In practice, this means:
– we engage in dialogue with key ministries and chambers,
– we organize delegation visits, such as the one announced for Q4 this year led by the UAE Minister of Economy,
– we’re working on launching the Croatian Business Council within Dubai Chambers, which will be a permanent platform for promoting the Croatian economy,
– and we provide concrete operational support to every investor who shows interest—from legal guidance to local partnerships.
In other words—we offer structure, trust, and results. Croatia has the potential, but to attract serious capital, someone must represent it in a serious manner. We take that responsibility on ourselves.
How can you recognize a fake investor from the region?
That’s an extremely important question because markets like the UAE, despite all their potential, also attract many unserious intermediaries posing as investors. The key is to differentiate between real investors and those seeking access to projects without actual capital, experience, or references.
The best way to protect yourself is to work through official and verified channels—such as embassies, chambers of commerce, business clubs, and institutional recommendations. At the UAE–Croatia Business Club, we have clear protocols for that very reason: every person, company, or fund expressing interest in entering the Croatian market is thoroughly vetted, including ownership structure, past projects, reputation, and business capacity.
We also work closely with local partners in the UAE who can distinguish genuine investors from intermediaries trying to exploit opportunities without real intent to invest. In this way, we protect both Croatian projects and the country’s reputation.
What is your opinion on the role of Croatian diplomacy in lobbying?
Lobbying is not something negative—on the contrary, it is a legitimate and necessary tool of modern diplomacy, especially when it comes to promoting a country’s economic interests abroad. In many developed countries, economic lobbying and institutional promotion of national companies and strategic interests are standard practice—systematically promoting companies, projects, export sectors, and startups.
In Croatia, we often hesitate with this word, as if it’s something suspicious. Croatia has much to offer—people, knowledge, innovation, and projects. We just need to lobby for them openly, structurally, and in a coordinated way to position them internationally.
That is precisely why the UAE–Croatia Business Club exists—as an extended arm of Croatian institutions on the ground. We don’t replace diplomacy, but we help it be more effective. We have contacts, we understand the local context, we speak the market’s language, and we are ready to work together with our diplomacy, ministries, and chambers to promote Croatian interests. Economic diplomacy is teamwork—only then can it deliver results.
Do you have concrete meetings and events scheduled?
Yes, we already have confirmed meetings with key institutional partners in the UAE and Croatia. We’re actively organizing business forums that won’t be one-off events but long-term platforms for networking and concrete business opportunities.
In September, we are organizing a major international economic forum in Dubai that will bring together representatives from over 20 countries. Participants will have the opportunity to attend B2B meetings, presentations, and panels focused on specific projects and investment opportunities. The forum is being organized in cooperation with our partners in the UAE business community, and its goal is to position Croatia within a broader regional context.
Our members already have access to over 80 events annually in the Emirates—from business breakfasts and closed investment sessions to sector-specific conferences—thanks to our strong ties with networking organizations and numerous business councils in the UAE.
In addition, in Q4 this year, we’re planning an organized visit of a delegation of Emirati investors to the Republic of Croatia, at a very high institutional level. The delegation will be led by the UAE Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, confirming the seriousness and strategic nature of our activities. This visit will be a valuable opportunity for Croatian companies and projects to present themselves to verified and interested investors from the Middle East.
What determines whether someone from the UAE will invest in Croatia—is administration a barrier?
Investors from the UAE, like any serious investor, seek clarity, security, and speed. They are accustomed to systems where processes are digitalized, transparent, and where they receive clear answers quickly—whether regarding ownership rights, zoning conditions, taxes, or permitting timelines.
When they encounter vague information, poor communication, or administrative confusion, it immediately creates a sense of insecurity. The issue isn’t that Croatia lacks potential—on the contrary, we have fantastic locations, quality people, high-growth sectors, and a stable business environment within the EU. The problem often lies in presentation and access to information—and even more often, in the lack of proactive guidance through the system.
That’s precisely the role of the UAE–Croatia Business Club—to act as system translators. To identify obstacles early and help overcome them with the support of institutions and local experts. Investors don’t expect a perfect system, but they do want reliable guides to help them navigate it. If we provide that, Croatia can become a highly attractive investment destination—especially for those seeking secure, long-term investment within the European Union.
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