Already a well-known name in UAE media circles, Sultan al-Qassemi rose in prominence in 2013 following the publication of his controversial op-ed in a Dubai daily calling for citizenship to be opened to foreigners. Describing himself as a commentator on Arab affairs on Twitter, he now has over 269,000 followers and continues to comment on political and economic issues in the region. He is also the founder and chairman of Barjeel Securities, a financial products company.