From Foundations to Footprints: Why the UAE Has Become a Strategic and Personal Pillar for Ascot Privé and Its Founders.

There are a few things we’ve come to know with absolute certainty about the United Arab Emirates: its astonishing trajectory of growth, its ability to welcome global business, and its unique position as a luxury destination unlike any other. Over the past 25 years, the UAE has evolved into a powerhouse—economically, culturally, and strategically—and for Ascot Privé, it has become both a key operating hub and a region of personal significance.

Our connection to the UAE is not simply professional—it is deeply rooted in personal relationships, firsthand experience, and a long-standing appreciation of the region’s vision, energy, and opportunity. For the two founding partners of Ascot Privé, the UAE has played a defining role not only in the development of our company, but in shaping how we support the world’s most discerning clients.

A Place of Vision, Growth, and Global Access

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a global gateway, offering access to Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, and relentless focus on innovation have made it a magnet for startups, multinationals, investment firms, real estate developers, and more recently, leading-edge tech and AI companies.

Supported by robust leadership—most notably His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan—the country has transformed into one of the most economically dynamic and socially secure environments in the world. These leaders, alongside the ruling families of all seven Emirates, have elevated the UAE’s profile on the global stage. Their vision has inspired our founders to pursue something equally meaningful: building a company rooted in trust, precision, and service to others.

The UAE: A Living Ecosystem for Business, Luxury, and Culture

There’s a misconception that Dubai represents the UAE in full. But those who truly explore the Emirates—Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and beyond—understand this country is layered with cultural richness, natural beauty, and diverse regional character. Yes, there are world-class hotels, private beaches, and unmatched luxury—but there’s also warmth, safety, and an enduring sense of hospitality rarely experienced elsewhere.

What’s more, the UAE isn’t just a playground for tourists—it’s a serious stage for global business. With record-breaking tourism, expansive infrastructure projects, and foreign investment flowing in across sectors, the Emirates continue to position themselves as a nucleus of global opportunity. This is why we’ve made the UAE a critical part of our global footprint—and why so many of our clients have as well.

A Personal and Professional Bond That Spans Decades

For Ascot Privé co-founder, Glen Burton, his connection to the UAE dates back to the early 2000s, when he worked in a personal security capacity supporting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That early chapter of his life was transformative. It gave him an insight into a culture of ambition, a nation being built in real-time, and leadership that valued both vision and loyalty. Glen saw first-hand what was coming—and now, over two decades later, He has the privilege of watching it come to life.

For both founding partners, the UAE is not just a key region—it’s home. As residents who frequently travel across the Emirates, they remain closely involved in the day-to-day management of the business, regularly meeting with our teams, clients, and partners throughout the region. These ongoing visits continue to strengthen the deep relationships they’ve built and consistently create new opportunities for the clients we support. The network they have established here is far from transactional—it’s built on trust, cultural fluency, and genuine mutual respect.

The UAE as a Client-Facing Hub for Ascot Privé

Strategically, the UAE plays a pivotal role in our global operations. It’s the foundation for our 24/7 Global Desk, serving clients across time zones from one of the most connected and secure environments in the world. From this hub, we coordinate complex travel itineraries, secure high-level meetings, and manage sensitive logistics with unmatched precision.

Whether it’s organizing private aviation, sourcing vetted luxury ground transportation, arranging exclusive fine dining experiences, or opening doors to senior government figures, our UAE presence gives us real-world leverage on behalf of our clients. And as those clients increasingly turn their attention to the Middle East for investment, leisure, and opportunity, our experience in the region becomes a key differentiator.

Cultural Intelligence Matters

You don’t just walk into the UAE—or the wider Middle East—and expect business to happen. Success across this region requires more than credentials or capital; it demands patience, cultural fluency, and a genuine commitment to building trust. In Emirati culture, and across the Gulf more broadly, reputation, consistency, and personal integrity are paramount. Relationships must be earned over time and maintained with sincerity.

At Ascot Privé, we’ve spent years cultivating a presence in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. Our deep understanding of regional nuance, paired with trusted long-standing relationships, allows us to guide our clients through unfamiliar environments with clarity and confidence. From the formalities of a high-level government meeting in Abu Dhabi to the etiquette of a business lunch in Riyadh or a cultural gathering in Doha—we know what matters, how to show respect, and when to lead or support behind the scenes.

Whether our clients are seeking introductions to decision-makers, assistance navigating complex diplomatic protocols, or something more personal—a private suite, a curated desert retreat, or a discreet itinerary for their family—our regional insight and high-level access make a measurable difference. In this part of the world, access isn’t given lightly. But when you have the right partner beside you, doors open—and opportunities follow.

Our Footprint, Built on Experience

We’ve facilitated private tours, golf partnerships, helicopter charters, ultra-exclusive hotel bookings, and luxury concierge arrangements across the Emirates. We’ve managed logistics at high-profile events like Formula One in Abu Dhabi, organized business delegations, and even introduced global celebrities to prominent leaders within the region. From diplomatic-level meetings to private travel arrangements, our experience here is vast and varied.

But it’s not the volume of requests that matters. It’s how we handle each one—with discretion, expertise, and care.

A Region That Reflects Our Values

The UAE reflects many of the values we hold dear at Ascot Privé: excellence, ambition, humility, and loyalty. It’s a country built on vision—and that’s something we’ve carried into our own journey. Our clients expect quiet competence. They value results, not noise. And when they ask us to support them in the Emirates, they know we don’t just understand the region—we’re part of it.

For us, the UAE isn’t just a location. It’s a pillar. A place where personal legacy meets professional purpose. A region where our foundations were laid—and where our global footprint continues to grow.

If you’re considering travel, investment, or strategic opportunities in the UAE—or if you simply want to experience the country in a more informed and refined way—we would be honored to support you.

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This article is the Copyright of Ascot Privé. All Rights Reserved.

For confidential inquiries or to learn more about how the Global Desk can support you or your family, please contact:

📩 contact@ascotfamily.com

📞 New York: (+1) 646 499 3680

📞 London: (+44) (0) 203 807 2152

📞 Abu Dhabi: (+971) (0) 52 726 4101

Ascot Privé is a global private advisory firm supporting elite families, Fortune 100 companies, and individuals with high-value, discreet, and personalized services across travel, protection, lifestyle, and strategic execution.