Source: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

• Member exports and re-exports reached a value of AED273 billion
• The Dubai Chamber was involved in 78 events spanning 50 cities
• The Chamber welcomed 681 delegations representing 81 countries

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UAE experienced a 9% growth in its member network during 2016, adding 16,800 companies. This brought the organization’s total membership to 201,000 by the year’s end, solidifying its standing as a leading global chamber of commerce in terms of membership.

The combined value of members’ exports and re-exports reached AED273 billion in the previous year. Saudi Arabia emerged as the primary destination for these exports and re-exports, accounting for AED87.8 billion. During the same period, 923,056 certificates of origin were issued. Additionally, 5,500 ATA Carnets, which are customs documents, were issued and received in the UAE, representing a total value of AED3.1 billion. The Dubai Chamber observed a 14% year-on-year increase in customers served, reaching 377,500 in 2016.

The Dubai Chamber actively participated in 78 events across 50 cities and extended its hospitality to 681 delegations from 81 countries. The Chamber facilitated over 1,500 meetings with 1,525 delegates, while its international offices conducted 484 meetings.

The Dubai Association Centre (DAC), an initiative of the Dubai Chamber, granted licenses to 32 international associations, marking a 100% increase compared to the 16 licenses issued in 2015. Jointly established by the Dubai Chamber, Dubai Business Events, and Dubai World Trade, the DAC provides support for establishing non-profit, apolitical, and non-religious professional associations and trade bodies within the emirate.

The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), another noteworthy initiative of the Dubai Chamber, managed 214 arbitration cases in 2016. Concurrently, the Chamber’s Legal Services department handled 710 mediation cases, resulting in a total of 924 registered commercial disputes.

The Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) spearheaded 31 events aimed at enhancing corporate social responsibility and sustainability within the local business community. These events attracted over 2,126 delegates representing 691 companies.

The 6th annual Give & Gain Day, organized as part of the ENGAGE Dubai program, witnessed the participation of 768 volunteers from 26 companies. These volunteers dedicated 1,681 hours to various community projects, benefiting 1,300 individuals. In 2016, ENGAGE Dubai welcomed 24 new corporate members and five new community partners. Furthermore, the Chamber’s Sustainability Network expanded to include 58 members by the year’s end and hosted 19 events attended by 398 participants.

Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade remained stable in 2016, with key sectors demonstrating robust activity. Expo 2020 acted as a stimulus for growth and expansion as infrastructure projects related to the mega-event began to materialize.

H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, highlighted the resilience of Dubai’s economy in the face of global economic headwinds. He attributed this resilience to the emirate’s intensified diversification efforts, which effectively mitigated the impact of the global trade slowdown.

“The year 2016 marked a pivotal period for Dubai, witnessing the introduction of several new strategies designed to facilitate the emirate’s transition to a post-oil economy and establish its position as a global center for knowledge and innovation. Noteworthy mega projects, such as Dubai’s next tallest tower and Dubai Harbour, poised to become the Middle East’s largest marina, were unveiled. These substantial initiatives are poised to attract foreign investment and elevate Dubai’s global standing,” he remarked.

H.E. Buamim emphasized Dubai Chamber’s unwavering commitment to supporting this vision by safeguarding the interests of Dubai’s business community, promoting the emirate as an attractive trade and investment destination, and exploring promising opportunities in new markets that offer the greatest potential for its members.

He further revealed that the Chamber is preparing to launch its latest strategy, aligning with the Dubai Plan 2021. This strategy will prioritize expanding the Chamber’s global network, fostering public-private sector partnerships, nurturing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and cultivating a culture of innovation across various economic sectors.