Behind the Shocking Decision!

On June 9, 2025, the drama surrounding the Dubai royal family took a new turn. Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum, once the center of media buzz in Hong Kong, canceled ambitious plans to establish a family office in the city. Why? The answer lies in a tangled web of misreporting that stirred concerns within the royal family.

Aaron Shum Speaks Out!

Aaron Shum, the founding chairman of the Hong Kong-Middle East Business Chamber, reflected on the incident a year later, shedding light on the reasons behind the decision. According to Shum, Sheikh Ali's withdrawal wasn't just a personal choice but a collective family decision driven by media scrutiny.

A Royal Family's Dilemma!

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency back in March 2024, Sheikh Ali's royal status was put under the microscope, leading to a flurry of negative coverage that ultimately scared him away from Hong Kong.

Middle Eastern Investment in Limbo!

When asked about the ramifications for other royal families looking to invest in Hong Kong, Shum didn’t hold back. "After being treated like a monkey, no one wants to revisit the issue!" he exclaimed, signaling the setback for potential royal investments.

Cultural Gaps and Opportunities!

Shum noted that the lukewarm interest from the Middle East could stem from vast lifestyle and culinary differences between regions. He urged the Hong Kong government to ramp up initiatives, such as conferences, to better engage Middle Eastern business delegations and strengthen ties.

Linguistic Advantages Await!

Highlighting Hong Kong's linguistic prowess in law and accounting, Shum pointed out that locals could play a pivotal role in bridging the gap, leveraging the city’s expertise to create smoother business interactions.