Sometimes, home feels a little too good. That was the main reason João C. Silva, founder of the agency “Digital Connection,” decided to pack up and move to Dubai. In a really interesting conversation with Jornal de Negócios, he explained that Portugal had become a “comfort zone,” and to truly grow – both personally and in business – he needed a shock to the system.
And he certainly got one.
João describes navigating a market with nearly 200 different nationalities. It wasn’t just about business strategy; it was about learning how trust, colors, and even basic words change meaning depending on who you’re talking to. But here’s the cool part: he found that being Portuguese is actually a massive asset in the Middle East. We’re seen as empathetic, sophisticated, and high-quality partners. It seems our reputation abroad is better than we often give ourselves credit for.
The interview gets really honest when he compares the business environments. He admires Dubai’s clarity—they have a vision and they execute it. If you want to open a company there, it takes days, not months. Everything is digital. In contrast, he points out that Portugal still struggles with a “that’s too difficult” mindset. His advice to Portuguese entrepreneurs? Stop being afraid to dream big. He argues that we have the talent and the quality, but we get bogged down by bureaucracy and a fear of risk.
He sees a lot of open doors for Portuguese companies in Dubai, specifically in tech, education, and the luxury wellness sector. On the flip side, he believes Middle Eastern investors would love to put money into Portuguese tourism and premium agriculture—if only we made the process less painful and more agile.
The best takeaway? He plans to come back. He views his time away as gathering experience to eventually bring home. It’s a refreshing look at how leaving your country can actually be the best way to serve it in the long run.
It’s a solid read for anyone thinking about international business or just needing a push to get moving. Check out the full interview here: Full Interview
