"Lot of respect for them" — Shark Tank Kevin O'Leary reflects on the diversified economy of the Middle East

Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary, famously known as 'Mr. Wonderful,' expressed his admiration for the economic advancements of the Middle East during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast on September 21, 2024. Reflecting on his experiences and business dealings in the region, O’Leary said,

“I have a lot of respect for them. They’ve diversified their economy so much.”

The Shark Tank investor praised the transformative progress of countries like the UAE, which, in just 52 years since its formation, has become a global hub of innovation and luxury.

On the podcast, hosted by Kyle Forgeard and Jesse Sebastiani, O'Leary delved into a wide range of topics, including his passion for luxury watches, his experiences with the royal family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and his thoughts on the business potential of the region.

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Shark Tank: Kevin O'Leary on the UAE and Middle East

During the podcast, O’Leary highlighted the achievements of the UAE, specifically mentioning cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"There’s no place like Abu Dhabi, there’s no place like Dubai."

He said, marveling at the country’s rapid transformation into a world-class economic and cultural center. He credited the UAE’s leaders for their strategic efforts, noting,

“They’ve basically taken the best of every country in the world and put it in one place.”

O’Leary further pointed out the UAE’s shift away from its reliance on oil, emphasizing its successful diversification. He also praised countries from the same region, like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, acknowledging their contributions to Middle Eastern development.

“They don’t think that way anymore,” he explained, underscoring how the country has invested in different sectors as well.

Despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, O’Leary expressed optimism about the region's potential, stating, "The potential of that region is very good."

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Watches as a global community

A significant part of the conversation revolved around the Shark Tank star's passion for luxury watches. When asked if he judges people by what they wear, O'Leary responded,

"I don't judge them on what they're wearing. I judge them on whether they're collectors or not."

He equated collecting watches to collecting modern art, emphasizing his appreciation for individuals who see the artistic value in timepieces. O’Leary revealed that his fascination with watches has connected him to collectors worldwide, including members of the UAE's royal family.

He recounted how he was first introduced to their unparalleled watch collection several years ago, describing it as "a room this size with drawers in it" filled with vintage and rare pieces.

“I thought I was the biggest watch collector in the world,” he said, admitting that he was humbled by their extensive collection.

This passion for watches led to a deeper relationship with one royal family member, who invited O’Leary to a private dinner in New York and later hosted him in Abu Dhabi. Their shared interest in collecting has since evolved into business collaborations.

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Building relationships through business

The Shark Tank investor also emphasized the importance of humility and learning from others, particularly when engaging with influential figures in the Middle East.

“You’re always serving somebody else,” he remarked, reflecting on how even the most successful individuals have opportunities to grow.

His business dealings with Middle Eastern leaders have further strengthened his respect for the region’s progress. He described his admiration for their ability to balance tradition with modernity while fostering innovation. Speaking about his frequent visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, O’Leary said that he loves the place and goes “there quite a bit.” The investor also holds UAE citizenship.

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Shark Tank airs every Friday on ABC at 8/7c.