David Gutiérrez (BLP): Building Bridges of Opportunity between Central America and the United Arab Emirates  

"Abu Dhabi is an extraordinary, modern, safe, and ambitious place."
 

Latin Counsel had the pleasure of interviewing David Gutiérrez, founding partner of BLP, following his recent significant move with his family from Madrid to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Gutiérrez, who was instrumental in establishing BLP as one of the leading firms in Central America and who, until recently, headed the firm’s Madrid office, opened the doors to his new life in the Persian Gulf.

After his first nine weeks in the region, David shared an insightful analysis that goes beyond the personal. In this interview, he details his impressions of the quality of life in Abu Dhabi—including his family’s adaptation and the atmosphere of tolerance—the security and institutional efficiency that define the UAE, and the dynamic business environment. He also explains the Emirati ambition to become a global hub and how he plans to build bridges for investment and asset protection between Gulf capital and the Central American region, aligning his personal mission with BLP’s strategic vision.

Latin Counsel: Nine weeks is a short time, but enough for a first immersion. What is your overall impression of the United Arab Emirates after your family’s move to Abu Dhabi?

David Gutiérrez: Although nine weeks may not seem like much, it has been enough time to discover an extraordinary country: modern, safe, and ambitious, determined to build the future with strategy, method, and determination.

Latin Counsel: The UAE is known for its very high proportion of expatriates. What is it like to live in this "society made up of foreigners" on a day-to-day basis?

David Gutiérrez: The Emirates is the country with the highest proportion of expatriates in the world. Of its 11 million inhabitants, nearly 10 million are foreigners: an astonishing 88% of the population. In no other nation do local citizens represent such a small minority, and that explains the international, diverse, and tolerant atmosphere that permeates its streets. Living here means understanding that almost all of us are guests. We must follow the rules and respect the culture of the country that welcomes us, regardless of where we come from or what customs we bring with us. The coexistence between many guests and few hosts occurs in total harmony, creating an extraordinarily friendly, generous, and civilized environment.

Latin Counsel: In such a diverse country, what is the language of business and everyday life?

David Gutiérrez: The universal language is English. Although Arabic is the official language, everything—business, government, services—operates in English. Nothing is complicated: the important thing is to communicate, for everything to flow and work. Pragmatism in its purest form.

Latin Counsel: As an executive and entrepreneur, how palpable is the UAE’s reputation as a "land of opportunity"?

David Gutiérrez: One of the main reasons so many foreigners decide to come and live here is the professional and entrepreneurial opportunities. The UAE has become one of the places in the world with the most options for entrepreneurs, executives, and companies. The environment is competitive, but also collaborative: we are all here to grow, and that energy is contagious. In 2024, the country received nearly US$50 billion in foreign direct investment, with a double-digit growth trend. It ranks second in the world in terms of the number of new greenfield projects and is among the ten countries with the highest confidence for investment. In 2023 alone, 158,000 golden visas were issued to investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs. This is all part of a national strategy to attract talent, capital, and technology from all corners of the globe.

Latin Counsel: The UAE is widely known for its culture of ambition and excellence. How does this desire to be "the best in the world" translate into the execution of projects and the work ethic observed in the country?

David Gutiérrez: There is probably no other country where the desire to be the best in the world is so palpable. The tallest building, the largest airport, the most efficient port, the most award-winning airlines. That ambition does not feel like arrogance, but rather like a collective energy: here, things are done to be the best, or they are simply not done. And that vision is executed with international talent. The UAE is not afraid to bring in experts and professionals from anywhere in the world to achieve its goals. It is further proof of its openness and pragmatism.

Latin Counsel: Given this strategic position and your experience with BLP, what avenues do you plan to open to bring business to the firm from the United Arab Emirates, and how does this relate to the Central American region?

David Gutiérrez: I have several objectives. First, to serve as a bridge between the capital needs of Central America—and some South American countries—and the vast financing opportunities that exist in the United Arab Emirates. This is not only about large sovereign wealth funds, but also smaller, more specialized private funds, family offices, and investment managers seeking to diversify their portfolios into stable and growing regions.

Second, to position the Emirates as an ideal jurisdiction for the structuring and protection of the assets of companies and families in Latin America and Europe. The combination of regulatory clarity, political stability, and an exceptional network of international treaties allows BLP to advise our clients on their global planning and expansion, ensuring that any investment or business flow to Central America is managed with maximum legal and tax efficiency.

In addition, we seek to strengthen the institutional bridges that connect both regions, such as Dubai Chambers and business councils. One example is the Dubai–Costa Rica Business Council, of which I have the honor of being Secretary General, which aims to promote trade, investment, and mutual understanding between the business sectors of both countries. At the same time, we promote European and Latin American regional initiatives with a similar purpose of connecting continents and generating sustainable development. Similarly, there are very interesting initiatives from entities with which I am closely involved, such as the World Law Foundation and Georgetown University.

In short, my mission in the Emirates is aligned with BLP’s vision: to build bridges where there were none before, open up investment opportunities, and generate legal confidence between regions that, although geographically distant, share values of stability, growth, and vision for the future.

Latin Counsel: A recurring theme is security and quality of life. What has your experience been in terms of institutional order and efficiency?

David Gutiérrez: A love of rules is another notable characteristic. In the Emirates, everything requires a license or permit, and the rules are strictly enforced, but without friction. The result: one of the safest countries on the planet. Abu Dhabi ranks first in the world in safety indices; Dubai ranks second. There are no armed police on every corner, but technology, cameras, and the effectiveness of the legal system create a sense of order and tranquility that is difficult to describe. Beyond safety, the quality of life is outstanding. Per capita GDP (adjusted for purchasing power) is around US$80,000, and the country ranks 15th in the world—and first in the Arab world—on the Human Development Index (0.940 according to the UNDP). Health, education, infrastructure, and welfare are solid pillars of a model that works.

Latin Counsel: From the perspective of a partner in a service firm, how efficient is interaction with the state and day-to-day operations?

David Gutiérrez: Opening a bank account takes less than 10 minutes. Internet speeds are among the fastest in the world. Interaction with the state is almost entirely digital, and the attitude of officials is to help, not hinder. There is no resentment toward the private sector here: it is considered an essential partner in national development.

Latin Counsel: The UAE is strengthening its trade ties with Latin America. How does the treaty network and the country’s positioning as a global hub work?

David Gutiérrez: One of the silent pillars of Emirati success is its global network of tax and trade agreements. In 2024, the UAE’s foreign trade reached nearly US$1.5 trillion, 49% more than in 2021. The country has signed more than 140 double taxation treaties (DTTs) and more than 100 bilateral investment protection agreements (BITs), placing it among the countries with the most treaties in force in the world. The agreements include key economies such as Spain, France, China, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and much of Latin America. Added to this are the new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), a modern generation of trade treaties that the UAE has signed with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile, consolidating its role as a natural bridge between Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become natural hubs for trading companies, holding companies, and family offices that manage operations on several continents. Regulatory clarity, political stability, and a global network of treaties explain why the UAE is now one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment.

Latin Counsel: After moving to Abu Dhabi from Madrid, how has the adaptation process been for you and your family, and what specific aspects of the city do you value most in your new quality of life?

David Gutiérrez: The adaptation has been surprisingly smooth. Abu Dhabi offers an extraordinary quality of life, both in terms of security and services and infrastructure. My children attend an international school with students from over 100 countries, which has broadened their worldview and sense of tolerance. My wife and I greatly appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere: everything is designed to make families feel comfortable, from public spaces to cultural and sporting activities. The city combines modernity with serenity; it has a human, orderly, and respectful pace. Living here with my family has been a deeply enriching experience.

Latin Counsel: Finally, what are your thoughts after these first nine weeks, and what sound or image defines your experience so far?

David Gutiérrez: The strategic clarity of the Emirati leaders is admirable. They have a plan and they follow it. They seek to diversify the economy, attract technology companies and start-ups, tourism and capital, and consolidate the country as a global hub of innovation. It is a model of discipline, openness, and vision. One of the most evocative details of life here is the adhān, the call to prayer that sounds five times a day. It marks a natural pause in the urban rhythm: a reminder that time passes and that, for a moment, it is worth stopping. An exercise in mindfulness amid the dynamism. Nine weeks are enough to confirm that the United Arab Emirates is an admirably designed and exceptionally managed country. Its true wealth lies in its collective intelligence and in the kindness and human richness of its inhabitants.