Investopia, a global investment platform initiated by the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and hosted by the UAE Ministry of Economy, held major events in Hong Kong and Beijing on September 17 and 19, respectively.
The events brought together political and business leaders from both China and the UAE to engage in high-level discussions on emerging topics such as energy transition, artificial intelligence, and fintech, injecting new momentum into bilateral investment cooperation.
During this occasion, we sat down for an exclusive interview with Dany Mourad, Chief Financial Officer of Sunset Hospitality Group, a Dubai-based lifestyle and hospitality powerhouse. Mourad shared the group’s global expansion strategy and elaborated on the rationale behind their recent entry into the Hong Kong market.
Founded in the UAE, Sunset Hospitality has a 13-year history and has grown into an internationally renowned lifestyle brand group. Its portfolio spans fine dining, daylife, nightlife, and hotels and resorts, offering comprehensive hospitality experiences around the world.
Since 2021, the group has been expanding into international markets, establishing a presence in Turkey, London, Milan, Singapore, and Spain, before officially entering Hong Kong in 2024. Mourad noted that Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub of Asia—supported by its mature infrastructure, international openness, multicultural environment, and sound regulatory framework—makes it an ideal destination for investment.
Addressing concerns about the decline in international confidence in recent years, Mourad described the current moment as a "transition period", expressing strong optimism about Hong Kong’s future. He believes that with time and the gradual restoration of market confidence, the city will regain its global competitiveness.
"Hong Kong has a well-established regulatory system and advanced infrastructure. It’s an ideal environment for long-term business growth," he emphasized.
When comparing Hong Kong with Singapore and Dubai, Mourad pointed out several shared attributes: a safe environment, a diverse population, and a strong appetite for premium lifestyle experiences.
He also offered suggestions for the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, such as bringing in more international brands and enhancing the diversity of travel and lifestyle experiences, to attract a broader global audience.
For international enterprises considering investment in Hong Kong, Mourad gave a clear endorsement:
"Hong Kong has systems that have been tested over time—from technology and logistics to regulation. This is a stable and sustainable business environment."
（Journalist: Venus Hu / Video Editor: Felicia Li / Cover Design: SHING）
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