I’d like to share my thoughts on this insightful LinkedIn post.

Fascinating perspective and very timely. Having worked across both Latin America and the Middle East, I see the same parallels: the power of diversification, the risks of over-reliance on a single sector, and the importance of long-term vision.

Brazil is indeed emerging as the natural gateway, while Chile and Uruguay show how governance and efficiency can set global benchmarks. The UAE’s own journey proves that bold decisions can transform economies and perceptions..

A wake-up call for investors in the UAE: Latin America is closer to us than you think.

By Rodrigo Paiva (UAE) – August 2025

In the 1960s, Argentina was the giant of South America, holding almost 40% of the region’s GDP. Venezuela was rich, with one of the highest incomes per capita in the world. Brazil was still growing into its role.

Fast forward to 2024: Brazil now accounts for over half of South America’s GDP. Venezuela collapsed to the bottom. Argentina shrank. Chile and Uruguay quietly built the highest per capita wealth.

This history teaches us something familiar here in the UAE.

Countries that depend on a single sector and fail to diversify eventually collapse. Countries that think long-term and innovate become hubs.

Dubai is living proof. Oil once made up 50% of the city’s GDP. Today it is less than 5%. The UAE diversified into logistics, finance, tourism and technology and became the gateway for 3 billion people across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Latin America is going through a similar turning point. Brazil is now the natural entry door to a continent of 600 million people. Chile and Uruguay show that governance and efficiency can transform small markets into global benchmarks. And the mistakes of Venezuela are the best reminder that the window of opportunity is not infinite.

For investors sitting in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the message is simple.

Latin America today is what the UAE was 30 years ago: misunderstood, underestimated and full of potential.

The real question is: who here will act first?

I have been building this bridge for the past decade. From trading to consultancy to boardrooms in Dubai and São Paulo, I have seen how few people understand the scale of what is coming.

I do not write this as theory. I write it as someone who is living both sides of the corridor every day.