"Very few economies" — Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary highlights two countries with "higher growth"

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, widely recognized as 'Mr. Wonderful,' recently highlighted the economic growth potential of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, describing them as standout economies in the region. In an Instagram video posted on January 9, 2024, O’Leary shared insights on global real estate and energy markets. He stated,

“You'll take on more risk if you can get higher growth, and you're just trying to balance the two. But there’s very few economies, I can only think of two right now in this region that are growing this way. It’s the UAE and it’s Saudi Arabia. That’s why I’m here.”

He noted how Ukraine, once a hub for hydroelectric energy, has seen its infrastructure severely impacted by ongoing conflicts. He contrasted this with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which he described as stable, growth-driven economies offering access to world-class banking and competitive opportunities.

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Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary on the Middle East

During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast on September 21, 2024, the Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary expanded on his admiration for the Middle East’s economic progress. He praised the diversification efforts of countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have reduced reliance on oil and invested in sectors like banking, technology, and real estate. He stated,

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

O’Leary commended the rapid transformation of the UAE, specifically mentioning cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. “There’s no place like Abu Dhabi," he remarked, crediting the UAE’s leadership for creating a hub of innovation and luxury in just 52 years. Highlighting the UAE’s success in attracting global investors, O’Leary said,

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

He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global economic player. According to O’Leary, the country’s stability, vision, and commitment to providing access to competitive banking have made it an attractive destination for investors.

“Saudi Arabia has opened up… we have a vision, we’re growing, we’re stable,”

he quoted from his interactions with officials in the region. O’Leary further shared insights from his personal experiences, recounting his business dealings and interactions with Middle Eastern leaders.

He emphasized the region's balance between tradition and modernity and credited its leaders for fostering innovation. “The potential of that region is very good,” he stated, expressing optimism about future growth opportunities.

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Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary on digitalization and the global economy

On January 3, 2025, Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary posted a video on his Instagram account (@kevinolearytv), addressing the impact of digitalization on the global economy. In the clip, he compared traditional 9-to-5 work models with project-based workflows, emphasizing how advancements in technology have reshaped business operations. O’Leary stated,

“Growth attracts growth, and ultimately, it attracts money.”

He explained that technological advancements have made it possible for companies to hire the best talent from anywhere in the world. He said,

“If there’s specialists in Saudi Arabia or Riyadh that you need and you’re headquartered in San Francisco, you put them in an office here. The time zones don’t matter anymore because the workflows have turned into project-based work."

The Shark Tank investor explained that his businesses have adopted the project-based work model, employing staff from various countries who work on flexible schedules. Many employees work from home, while others operate out of offices, reflecting how digitalization has transformed the global economy in recent years.

O’Leary noted that this shift has allowed firms to tap into a global talent pool without being restricted by physical location. He credited this approach for driving growth and profitability in his own ventures, which include O’Leary Financial Group, O’Shares Investment Advisers, and O’Leary Ventures.

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