Abu Dhabi's tourism development drive, economic diversification programme and better governance initiatives have impressed Jack Welch, regarded as the world's most admired CEO. "These are remarkable developments," he said after a tour of the Saadiyat Island Development exhibition at the Emirates Palace in the presence of H.E Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

H H Sheikh Sultan, accompanied by the ADTA Director General, His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, and TDIC CEO, Mr. Lee Tabler, briefed one of the world's greatest business leaders about the current and future tourism developments and its potential economic impact in the UAE's largest emirate.  

An authority on leadership, business strategy and management, Mr. Jack praised the Abu Dhabi's initiatives to introduce better governance and transparency to raise the raise the quality standards for the delivery of public services in the emirate, home to the UAE's capital city.

H.H Sheikh Sultan, with the help of photographs depicting the old and new landscape of Abu Dhabi, highlighted the history and evolution of the emirate under the visionary leadership of Father of the Nation and UAE's founder-first president, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This progressive socio-economic march is continuing with renewed enthusiasm by the people of UAE under the able and dynamic leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The 73-year-old Welch, who was accompanied by his wife, Suzy, author and a former editor of Harvard Business Review, did not hide his curiosity and pleasure at the multi-billion dirham tourism and infrastructure projects underway or planned in the emirate. He made enquires about the Saadiyat Island development and the major building components of the unique complex.

Lying 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat is a 27 kilometre natural island that is being transformed into a world-class destination with mixed commercial, residential, leisure and cultural projects. Projects in the seven districts of the island are currently under construction and are expected to be completed in 2018.

These comprise 29 hotels – including an iconic 7-star property – three marinas, two golf courses, civic and leisure facilities, apartments and villas, and museums and cultural centres. The island’s Cultural District is set to be home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museums in addition to the Sheikh Zayed National Museum and Maritime Museum.

Later, Mr. Welch addressed officials from the Abu Dhabi government departments and other organizations in an interactive session, sharing his knowledge and expertise on leadership, winning, teamwork and organization. He also utilized his visit to the UAE Capital to address the Abu Dhabi government leaders on business strategy, leadership skills and management.

The programme was sponsored by the ADTA, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, and TDIC. His Excellency Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, was among those who attended the programme.

Mr. Welch explained the most important of his innovations in leadership, and outlined how he managed to sustain results over a long period of time. A doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois, his view is that 'managers muddle, while leaders inspire' with a clear vision of how things can be done better. He says: "What we are looking for are leaders at every level who can energize, excite and inspire rather than enervate, depress and control."

He also believes that leaders should avoid micro-management and inspire others to execute rather then try to do it all themselves. On the other hand, he thinks one should lead by example with what he calls the four E's of leadership: energy, energize, edge and execution.

During his tenure at the GE as the company's youngest and eighth Chairman and CEO from 1981 to 2001, Mr. Jack is credited for increasing the company’s market value increased from US$13 billion to an incredible US$387 billion through his legendary management and leadership skills.

He joined the GE in 1960 as a junior engineer. In 1999, Fortune named him the "Manager of the Century". In September 2001, he published his international best-seller autobiography, "Jack, Straight From The Gut" followed in April 2005 with his another best-seller, “Winning” with his wife as co-author. A strong believer in management education, Mr. Welch serves as a consultant to a small group of Fortune 500 business CEOs.