Future Story is a joint venture between AcrossLimits, a Maltese company represented by Angele Giuliano, and Grey Matter, an Emirati company represented by Kais Badran.
The aim is to make matches between European companies, particularly startups, and investors, mainly from the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), who are willing to invest in the latest innovations in different sectors, such as Deeptech, Healthtech, Foodtech, and Proptech.
What distinguishes Future Story from other matchmakers is the personal element. At Future Story we are not aiming to input details into a platform and allowing the algorithms to make matches. Rather, we meet personally (online or face-to-face) with startups and investors in order to understand their needs and goals and find appropriate matches accordingly.
The choice of pairing European startups with GCC investors stems from the GCC’s increasing reputation as an important region for investments. Therefore, the aim is to increase the influx of innovative technologies in the GCC by investing in European startups who are willing to expand their impact even beyond the shores of Europe.
Below we summarise some of the key factors which enhance the attractiveness of the Gulf Cooperation Council to investments in innovative products and services.
Economic Stability and Diversification
The GCC countries have taken substantial steps toward economic diversification, reducing their dependence on oil revenues. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are introducing wide-ranging reforms to build a more sustainable economic framework. These efforts include privatisation programmes, infrastructure advancements, and regulatory improvements designed to create a business-friendly environment, thereby drawing foreign direct investment (FDI) into sectors like healthcare, logistics, and technology.
The subject of Economic Diversification in the GCC countries has been tackled in several reports, including the World Governments Summit 2024 report Unlocking Diversification In The GCC States and the EY’s article How the GCC is leveraging foreign direct investment ot boost regional confidence.
Strategic Geographic Location
Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, the GCC is in a significantly advantageous position as a key global hub for trade and logistics. This appeal is further bolstered by advanced infrastructure, including the development of state-of-the art airports and seaports (such as Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International airport).
Moreover, the creation of special economic zones provides foreign investors with attractive incentives, such as full ownership rights and exemptions from specific duties.
Investment-Friendly Policies
The GCC has implemented a range of investment-friendly policies in order to streamline business operations. These initiatives include relaxing restrictions on foreign ownership in sectors previously off-limits and fostering a supportive environment for startups. These efforts not only appeal to multinational corporations but also draw venture capitalists eager to invest in innovative projects across the region.
The GCC also has attractive tax incentives and benefits, such as:
- Zero or Low Corporate Tax – Most GCC countries do not impose corporate taxes on most sectors, except for recent corporate tax reforms in the UAE and Oman.
- No Personal Income Tax – The entire GCC region remains tax-free for individuals.
- VAT Implementation – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Oman have introduced Value-Added Tax (VAT), but rates remain low (5–15%) compared to global standards.
Growing Consumer Market
With a fast-growing population and rising consumer demand, the GCC offers a highly attractive market for businesses. The healthcare sector, in particular, has witnessed significant investments to address the needs of this expanding population. This surge in consumer activity is further supported by increasing disposable incomes and ongoing urbanisation throughout the region.
The healthcare sector in GCC has received enough recognition to be the subject of a panel during the latest MedTech World event which took place in November 2024 in Malta. The panel, with the title ‘Navigating the Future of Healthcare in the GCC’, focused on the GCC’s swift progress in healthcare, fueled by investments in digital health and emerging technologies, establishing the region as a global pioneer in healthcare transformation.
You can read more about the panel discussion in this article.
Angele Giuliano, one of the founders of Future Story, has highlighted the healthcare sector as one of the core values of the venture – “to bring better health and more innovative health tools to the region” – by attracting investment in European companies focusing on health innovations.
Regional Stability
The political stability of GCC countries plays a key role in bolstering investor confidence. Long-term strategic initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, strengthen the region’s reputation as a dependable investment destination. This stability is further supported by efforts to build international partnerships, including collaborations with China through the Belt and Road Initiative, which aim to enhance economic ties through technology and investment.
The GCC’s blend of economic diversification, strategic positioning, investor-friendly policies, expanding consumer markets, and regional stability thus makes it an increasingly appealing destination for investment. As these elements continue to develop, the GCC is set to strengthen its position as a key player in the global investment arena.
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