UAE-based executives work in more countries than ever before, INTERNATIONAL SOS FINDS, AS UAE's ROLE AS HUB GROWS

25 February 2015 ,  —

Dubai

• 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.

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About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.

 

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.   

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com