Annual - Report - 2021 - DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Annual - Report - 2021 - DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
                            A Bolder Vision
Contents
Vision and Strategic Objectives          04
Board Members 06
Foreword Messages 08
Dubai Overview 24
Human Capital 40
International Partnerships 52
Vision and
Strategic Objectives
Promoting Dubai as an international business hub and
supporting the development of business.
                            VISION
                            To be the best Chamber in the world in driving
                            competitiveness and business growth by 2021
                            MISSION
                            Represent, support and protect the interests
                            of the business community in Dubai
                            STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
                            •   Create a favourable business environment
                            •   Support the development of business
                            •   Promote Dubai as an international business hub
                            •   Achieve institutional excellence and efficient
                                management of resources
04
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Board Members
Experienced professionals guide Dubai Chamber of
Commerce’s strategy and operations.
H.E. Abdul-Aziz          Mr. Faisal Juma       H.E. Khalid Juma        Mr. Omar Abdullah       Mr. Majid Hamad Rahma
Abdulla Al Ghurair       Khalfan Belhoul       Al Majid                Al Futtaim              Al Shamsi
Chairman                 Vice Chairman         Member of the Board     Member of the Board     Member of the Board
Mr. Mohammed Abdul       Mr. Buti Saeed        Mr. Tariq               Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg   Dr. Amina Al Rustamani
Ghaffar Hussain          Mohammad Al Ghandi    Hussain Khansaheb       Member of the Board     Member of the Board
Member of the Board      Member of the Board   Member of the Board
Mrs. Hind bin Kherbash   Mr. Raji Patrick      Mr. Shehab M. Gargash   Mr. Saeed Saif          Mr. Hisham Abdullah
Member of the Board      Chalhoub              Member of the Board     Al Ghurair              Al Shirawi
                         Member of the Board                           Member of the Board     Member of the Board
06
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                               ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Chairman’s Message
                            While unprecedented disruption            to attract investment and help          the foundation for a sustainable
                            caused by the COVID-19 pandemic           businesses in the Emirates stay         economy and prosperous future.
                            reverberated through the global           competitive and, as a result,
DUBAI CHAMBER OF            economy, it was the swift action taken    momentum behind Dubai’s                 With this in mind, Dubai Chamber of
COMMERCE IS WORKING         by the UAE government that has led        economy is projected to grow            Commerce is now working closely
                            to a rosier business outlook for Dubai.   in line with projected uptick in        with the private sector to tackle
CLOSELY WITH THE
                                                                      business activity.                      existing market challenges, identify
PRIVATE SECTOR TO
                            The government’s effective                                                        new business opportunities and
TACKLE EXISTING
                            management of the pandemic                This projection is only likely to       develop new initiatives to enhance
MARKET CHALLENGES,
                            – and allocation of economic              increase with Expo 2020 Dubai,          Dubai’s business environment and
IDENTIFY NEW BUSINESS       support packages – paved the              the largest mass gathering since        fast track the development of new
OPPORTUNITIES AND           way for accelerated growth                the onset of the pandemic,              economic sectors.
DEVELOP NEW INITIATIVES     across multiple sectors in 2021.          the largest event to ever be
TO ENHANCE DUBAI’S          This has enabled key sectors, such        staged in the Middle East, and a        We have a lot to look forward
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT.       as retail, tourism, and hospitality       catalyst for Dubai’s sustainable        to in 2022 as we evolve from a
                            to get back on track in the last          economic growth.                        tumultuous point in time, into a
                            few months of 2021.                                                               post-COVID era that promises a new
                                                                      Economic forecasts have                 landscape of growth, transformation
                            Along with stimulus packages, the         estimated that the Dubai                and boundless opportunities.
                            government announced reforms              edition of the World Expo could
                                                                      contribute around AED 122.6             As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
                                                                      billion ($33.4 billion) to the Dubai    bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
                                                                      economy, according to recent            President and Prime Minister of the
                                                                      projections, with the world expo        UAE and Ruler of Dubai, once said:
                                                                      seeing remarkable success after         “Our vision is clear, our road is paved
                                                                      attracting over 3 million visitors in   and the clock is ticking. There is no
                                                                      the first two months.                   time for hesitation or half-baked
                                                                                                              goals or solutions. Development is
                                                                      Going forward, the UAE’s                an ongoing process and the race for
                                                                      Projects of the 50 - a series of        excellence has no finish line.”
                                                                      game-changing developmental
                                                                      and economic initiatives across         For its part, Dubai Chamber of
                                                                      key sectors such as economy,            Commerce aims to further support
                                    H.E. Abdul Aziz                   entrepreneurship, advanced              businesses across the emirate
                                    Al Ghurair                        skills, digital economy, space, and     and ensure that they prosper in a
                                    Chairman, Dubai Chambers          advanced technologies – will lay        brighter tomorrow.
08                                                                                                                                                                     09
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                         ANNUAL REPORT 2021
A Brighter Future
For Business
                            It was fitting that 2021 – the year   visas, as well as changes to the                            Dubai’s economic landscape has          As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
                            of the UAE’s landmark Golden          foreign ownership and bankruptcy                            undoubtedly witnessed significant       Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice
                            Jubilee celebrations – was a          laws enhanced the attractiveness                            changes during its rich history         President and Prime Minister of the
                            milestone year that laid the          of Dubai as a preferred business     THE PLETHORA OF        and these changes have helped           UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said, the
                            groundwork for a new chapter          hub. New initiatives and             CHANGES AND NEW        shape the emirate as a model for        UAE’s ambitions have “grown bigger
                            for the nation, with a raft of        developments in 2021 follow                                 economic development, while             and our priorities have changed.”
                                                                                                       PROJECTS AND
                            new projects and incentives           several moves to improve ease of                            reinforcing its status as one of the
                                                                                                       INITIATIVES SERVE AS
                            paving the way for sustainable        doing business in Dubai.                                    world’s leading cities.                 As the UAE’s non-oil economy
                                                                                                       A CORNERSTONE FOR
                            economic growth.                                                                                                                          continues to grow from month
                                                                                                       GROWTH, BOLSTERING
                                                                  Previously, the UAE Cabinet                                 The emirate’s forward-thinking and      to month, developments for the
                            Whether it be investing in human      announced businesses across a
                                                                                                       THE UAE AND            future-ready approach has paid off      next decades will see the emirate
                            capital, creating new business        wide range of sectors – including    DUBAI’S APPEAL AS A    in the COVID-19 era as it emerged       and the wider country cement
                            incentives or adopting advancing      renewable energy, space,             DESTINATION FOR BOTH   as a leading example of a city that     its status on the global stage
                            technologies, Dubai continues         agriculture, manufacturing,          FOREIGN INVESTORS      effectively dealt with new challenges   through digitalisation, advanced
                            to boost its value proposition for    transport, logistics, hospitality,   AND ENTREPRENEURS      and re-opened its economy               technology, smart cities, economic
                            companies and investors.              food services, information, and                             successfully and responsibly. This      growth, its position in the space
                                                                  communications, among others                                success helped Dubai emerge from        race, and its reputation as being
                            The introduction of long-term         – were eligible for 100% foreign                            the pandemic stronger and prepared      one of the leading places to live
                            residency and remote working          ownership under a law to further                            for future crises.                      and work.
                                                                  liberalise and strengthen the
                                                                  investment environment.                                     The staging of Expo 2020 Dubai          Furthermore, as the country
                                                                                                                              – the first World Expo held in          progresses with its evolution
                                                                  The message is clear – Dubai has                            the Middle East, Africa and             and expansion, Dubai Chamber
                                                                  never been more open for business.                          South Asia (MEASA) region – is          of Commerce will spare no
                                                                                                                              also a milestone moment for             effort in supporting businesses
                                                                  The plethora of changes and                                 Dubai as it welcomes the world,         of all sizes and sectors, while
                                                                  new projects and initiatives                                showcases new innovations and           elevating the emirate’s position
                                                                  serve as a cornerstone for                                  creates new possibilities.              in the global arena.
                                                                  growth, bolstering the UAE and
                                                                  Dubai’s appeal as a destination                             If we can not only survive but
                                                                  for both foreign investors and                              thrive coming out of a global
                                                                  entrepreneurs, encouraging                                  crisis, then I am confident we can
                                                                  the flow of investment into                                 realise our ambitions, aim higher
                                   H.E. HAMAD BUAMIM              vital economic sectors, and                                 and create a more prosperous
                                   President & CEO of             strengthening the country’s                                 future as we work towards a bold
                                   Dubai Chambers                 competitive edge for business.                              new vision for the next 50 years.
10                                                                                                                                                                                                          11
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A NEW CHAMBER
STRUCTURE
12
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT 2021
In 2021, Dubai Chamber turned the page on a new chapter in its history,
with plans to restructure and broaden the scope of its work.
14                                                                                                                                                                                                  15
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
                                                                               Higher Board of
Dubai Chambers                                                                 Dubai Chambers
– Overall Structure
                                                                               Honorary Chairman of Dubai Chambers
                                                                               H.E. Abdul-Aziz         Mr. Faisal Juma       H.E. Khalid Juma      H.E. Omar Sultan        Mr. Omar Abdullah
                                                                               Abdulla Al Ghurair      Khalfan Belhoul       Al Majid              Al Olama                Al Futtaim
                                                                               Chairman                Vice Chairman         Member of the Board   Member of the Board     Member of the Board
                                                                               H.E. Sultan Ahmed       H.E. Helal Saeed      Mr. Buti Saeed        Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg   Dr. Amina Al Rustamani
                                                                               Bin Sulayem             Al Marri              Mohammad Al Ghandi    Member of the Board     Member of the Board
                                                                               Member of the Board     Member of the Board   Member of the Board
                                                                                                                                                                                                 17
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                                             ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                                        Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Al Mousa              Mr. Mohammed bin Zaal                 Mrs. Hind Habib Al Mulla
                                                                                                                        Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council        Member of The Advisory Council
                                                                                                                        Mr. Ali Abdullah Al Shafar               Mr. Khaled Khalifa Juma Al Naboodah   Mr. Ahmed Saeed Belyouha
                                                                                                                        Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council        Member of The Advisory Council
                                                                                                                        Dr. Tariq Humaid Al Tayer                Mr. Ahmad bin Eisa Al Serkal          Mrs. Amal Mohammed Al Marri
H.E. Abdul-Aziz          Mr. Faisal Juma       H.E. Khalid Juma        Mr. Omar Abdullah       Mr. Majid Hamad Rahma
Abdulla Al Ghurair       Khalfan Belhoul       Al Majid                Al Futtaim              Al Shamsi                Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council        Member of The Advisory Council
Chairman                 Vice Chairman         Member of the Board     Member of the Board     Member of the Board
                                                                                                                        Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah   Mr. Mohammad Abdulaziz Baker          Mr. Jamal Adbulla Ali Al Shafar
                                                                                                                        Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council        Member of The Advisory Council
                                                                                                                        Mr. Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor           Mr. Saif Ahmed Belhasa                Mr. Mohamed Matar Al Falasi
                                                                                                                        Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council        Member of The Advisory Council
Mrs. Hind bin Kherbash   Mr. Raji Patrick      Mr. Shehab M. Gargash   Mr. Saeed Saif          Mr. Hisham Abdullah      Mr. Ebrahim Ahmed Al Abbas               Mr. Essam Al Tamimi
Member of the Board      Chalhoub              Member of the Board     Al Ghurair              Al Shirawi               Member of The Advisory Council           Member of The Advisory Council
                         Member of the Board                           Member of the Board     Member of the Board
18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       19
                                                                                                                                                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                                  Mr. Saad Assim Abood Al Janabi   Professor Ian Goldin             Mr. Bernard j. Dunn
                                                                                                                  Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council
                                                                                                                  Mr. Dietmar Siersdorfer          Mr. Nidal Abou Ltaif             Mr. Joe Rainey
                                                                                                                  Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council
Mr. Remy Ejel          Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar     Mrs. Elissar          Mrs. Julia Onslow-Cole   Mrs. May Nasrallah    Dr. Azad Moopen, MD              Mr. Geoffrey Dickinson
Member of the Board    Member of the Board   Farah Antonios        Member of the Board      Member of the Board   Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council
                                             Member of the Board
20                                                                                                                                                                                                                   21
                                                                                                                                                                                                    ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                                  Mr. Alexander Tamas              Mr. Haider Ali Khan                Mr. Sayed Hashish
H.E. Omar               Mr. Ahmad              H.E. Hamad Obaid      Mr. Khalid Ahmed       Mr. Rashid Abdullah
Sultan Al Olama         Abdullah bin Byat      Al Mansoori           Al Tayer               Al Ghurair            Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council     Member of The Advisory Council
Chairman                Vice-Chairman          Member of the Board   Member of the Board    Member of the Board
                                                                                                                  H.E. Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar     Mr. Joe Abi Akl                    Mr. Jiawei Liu
                                                                                                                  Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council     Member of The Advisory Council
Mr. Fadi Ghandour       Mrs. Mona Ataya        Mrs. Hind Abdul       Mr. Rashid             Mr. Mansour Khalifa
Member of the Board     Member of the Board    Hamied Seddiqi        Mohamed Alabbar        Al Habtoor
                                               Member of the Board   Member of the Board    Member of the Board   Mr. Jack Selby                   H.E. Younus Al Nasser              Mr. Ali Khanafer
                                                                                                                  Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council     Member of The Advisory Council
Mr. Ronaldo Mouchawar   Mr. Mudassir Sheikha   Mrs. Elissa Freiha    Mr. Dany Farha                               Mr. Ryan Mahoney                 H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar   Mr. Amit Jain
Member of the Board     Member of the Board    Member of the Board   Member of the Board                          Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council     Member of The Advisory Council
                                                                                                                  Mr. Karl Magnus Olsson           Mr. Mostafa Kandil                 Mr. Azzam Alameddin
                                                                                                                  Member of The Advisory Council   Member of The Advisory Council     Member of The Advisory Council
22                                                                                                                                                                                                                     23
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Dubai Overview
24
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                             ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                    confidence in the country’s business     DUBAI’S FOREIGN                                              Imports rose 29.3% year-on-year
                                                                    environment, and the ability for         NON-OIL TRADE          Visa reforms, consistent policies     to AED 414 billion from Dhs320
                                                                    companies and the private sector to                             and stimulus packages are             billion. Re-exports grew 28.3% to
                                                                    face all challenges especially related                          benefiting various economic           AED 198.6 billion from AED 154.79
                                                                    to the pandemic and its effects on                              sectors, with travel, tourism,        billion. The volume of Dubai’s
                                                                    the business sector.                                            hospitality, real estate and retail   non-oil external trade in the first
                                                                                                             BILLION
                                                                    transition to a knowledge-based                                 550.6 billion it recorded in the      in H1 2020. Trade with India
                                                                    economy. At the same time, it is                                corresponding period in 2020.         also grew 74.5% year-on-year to
                                                                    expected to elevate the country’s        VALUE OF NEW                                                 AED 67.1 billion from AED
                                                                    status in the global arena and           PROPERTY INVESTMENTS   Exports grew 45% year-on-year         38.5 billion.
                                                                    enhance its value proposition.           IN DUBAI               in H1 2021 to AED 109.8 billion
26                                                                                                                                                                                                            27
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                            ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Trade with the US amounted to           to rise by 77% year-on-year,          GROWING INVESTOR                       The emirate recorded a             THE ROAD AHEAD
AED 32 billion, up 1% from AED          with revenue per available room       CONFIDENCE                             65% growth in the number           The UAE unveiled The ‘Projects of
31.7 billion in H1 2020. Saudi Arabia   rising by an even higher 86%. At      Dubai attracted AED 15.9 billion       of real estate transactions        the 50’ - a series of developmental
came fourth with AED 30.5 billion,      the same time, some 100,000           ($4.3 billion) in foreign direct       and a 71% increase in value        and economic projects that
up 26% from AED 24.1 billion,           people traveled through Dubai         investment from 378 projects           last year compared to 2020,        aim to accelerate the UAE’s
followed by Switzerland with AED        International Airport (DXB) daily.    in the first nine months of 2021,      according to the Dubai Land        development and transform it into
24.8 billion, an increase of 2.3%       By the end of October, in fact,       according to the Dubai Investment      Department (DLD).                  a comprehensive hub in all sectors
from AED 24.2 billion.                  DXB had reclaimed its title as        Development Agency (Dubai FDI).                                           and establish its status as an ideal
                                        the world’s busiest international                                            “The directives of His Highness    destination for talents and investors.
Dubai welcomed over 6 million           airport as global travel              Growing momentum followed the          Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid         These initiatives cover several
visitors from January to November       restrictions eased.                   introduction of new initiatives and    Al Maktoum, Vice-President         key sectors such as: economy,
2021, with the highest number of                                              regulation that boosted investor       and Prime Minister of the UAE      entrepreneurship, advanced
international guests arriving from      Dubai International (DXB) received    confidence in the Dubai market.        and Ruler of Dubai, to make        skills, digital economy, space and
India with 794,000 visitors. India      over 24 million passengers                                                   Dubai the world’s best city        advanced technologies.
was followed by Saudi Arabia            during the first 11 months of 2021,   “Global investors have placed          to live and work has served
(391,000) and Russia (374,000).         according to Dubai Civil Aviation     their faith in Dubai’s business        as a key driver in increasing      Around AED 5 billion has been
                                        Authority (DCAA). In November         ecosystem, making it among the         its attractiveness as a global     earmarked to fund advanced
In the opening month of Expo            alone, the world’s busiest            most attractive FDI locations in       investment destination,” said HH   technology adoption, while the
2020 Dubai, hospitality industry        international airport welcomed        the world. Initiatives such as full    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed         Fourth Industrial Revolution
data estimated hotel occupancy          3.88 million passengers.              foreign ownership, an evolving visa    bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown       Network aims to grow 500 national
                                                                              administration and the alignment       Prince of Dubai and Chairman of    companies through the application
                                                                              of the work week with global           the Executive Council.             of such technologies over five years.
                                                                              markets demonstrate Dubai and
                                                                              the UAE’s responsiveness to            A total of 52,415 investors        As Dubai pushes ahead with its
                                                                              business needs,” said HH Sheikh        concluded 72,207 new               innovation mission, it will continue to
                                                                              Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown             investments in 2021 worth          look outwards as it doubles down on
                                                                              Prince of Dubai and Chairman of        AED 148 billion representing       efforts to attract leading companies
                                                                              the emirate’s Executive Council.       a 73.7% growth in the number       and specialised talent from around
                                                                                                                     of investments, a 65.6% rise in    the world that can accelerate the
                                                                              FDI reinvestment projects              the number of investors, and a     growth of its digital economy.
                                                                              accounted for 11% of the total         100% increase in the value of
                                                                              FDI projects in the emirate.           investments compared to 2020,      Attracting FDI is a major
                                                                              Job creation resulting from FDI        the report added.                  component of future plans, and
                                                                              surged 36% during the first                                               there is sure to be many more new
                                                                              nine months of 2021 to 16,430          Expo 2020 Dubai played a           projects, initiatives and incentives
                                                                              new jobs.                              crucial role in attracting new     introduced in the coming years
                                                                                                                     investors to the Dubai property    that will cement Dubai’s position as
                                                                              Dubai’s real estate market recorded    market as the mega event           a global business hub and catalyse
                                                                              84,772 transactions valued at AED      provided visitors a chance to      the emirate’s economic growth and
                                                                              300 billion ($81.6 billion) in 2021.   explore projects and offerings.    competitiveness.
28                                                                                                                                                                                           29
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DUBAI CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
OVERVIEW
30
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Back To Business
Dubai Chamber of Commerce raised the bar in 2021 as it recorded membership
growth, achieved 100% smart transformation and leveraged the Expo 2020 platform
to promote Dubai as an attractive business hub.
32
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                            digital transformation mission. The   to e-commerce, startups,              EXPO 2020                              to Dubai’s economy, including
                            Chamber achieved its target of        sustainability, CSR, legal matters    AND MAJOR EVENTS                       UAE ministers, government
                            becoming 100% paperless by the        and international expansion.          As the Official Business Integration   officials, business leaders and
                            end of 2021, joining several other                                          Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai,            representatives from multinational
                            government entities in reaching       The Chamber launched a new online     Dubai Chamber organised a series       companies operating in Dubai.
                            this goal.                            business intelligence tool to help    of high-level business forums,
                                                                  traders in the emirate identify the   including the sixth annual Global      During the forum, participants
                            Currently, the Chamber                untapped potential for exporting      Business Forum (GBF) Africa, and       took part in 24 breakout sessions,
                            offers 50 smart services to           commodities to 30 promising           the inaugural GBF ASEAN at Expo        each tackling existing market
                            Dubai’s business community            markets across the MENA region,       2020 Dubai, which explored new         challenges and opportunities,
                            through its website and mobile        Asia, Africa, and Europe.             avenues of economic cooperation        as well as recommendations for
                            applications. These services                                                between UAE companies and their        driving sustainable economic
                            cover everything from certificates    As per analysis by the                global counterparts.                   growth and reducing the cost of
                            of origin, attestation, ATA           International Trade Center                                                   doing business in Dubai.
                            Carnets and credit reports,           (ITC), there are reportedly 26        Hosted both physically and
                            economic research, market             major commodities listed on the       virtually at the world-class Dubai     In addition, the Dubai Digital
                            intelligence, policy advocacy,        platform, with an estimated $10       Exhibition Centre – Expo 2020,         Economy Retreat saw the adoption
                            business mentorship, business         billion worth of opportunities        Dubai Chamber hosted several           of a new action plan designed to
                            matching, mediation, to training,     that UAE exporters can                Thematic Business Forums               develop Dubai’s digital economy
                            seminars and workshops related        capitalise on.                        highlighting emerging business         strategy, with discussions
                                                                                                        opportunities, the latest ideas        producing several practical
                                                                                                        and technologies, and serve as         recommendations addressing
                                                                                                        a powerful platform to connect,        existing challenges in the market.
                                                                                                        create and innovate.
                                                                                                                                               The two-day retreat, organised
                                                                                                        Co-organised by Dubai Chamber,         by Dubai Chamber of Digital
                                                                                                        the International Chamber of           Economy, supports the vision of
                                                                                                        Commerce and its World Chambers        His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
                                                                                                        Federation, under the theme Next       Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
                                                                                                        Generation: Chambers 4.0, the 12th     President and Prime Minister of
                                                                                                        World Chambers Congress in Dubai       the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to
                                                                                                        was the first hybrid event of its      position Dubai as a global capital
                                                                                                        kind, offering delegates a glimpse     of digital economy.
                                                                                                        into what chambers of the future
                                                                                                        will look like.
34                                                                                                                                                                                35
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Navigating A Changing
Legal Landscape
Dubai Chamber supported and empowered
businesses through policy advocacy, awareness
webinars and mediation.
36
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                       ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                            engage businesses in the                next three months.                      LAWS REVIEWED     which 66 commercial disputes           Among the topics and issues
                            policy formulation process and                                                                    were resolved amicably. Thanks         covered by the webinars were:
                            launched a dedicated portal             In addition, the Dubai Digital                            to an agile response to the global     commercial contracts, economic
                            through which to consult with           Economy Retreat saw the adoption                          situation, The vast majority, 175 of   substance regulations, UAE
                            them. Throughout the year, the          of a new action plan designed to                          these cases were handled virtually     Commercial Companies Law,
                            Chamber conducted 30 advocacy
                            meetings, with each one proving
                                                                    develop Dubai’s digital economy
                                                                    strategy, with discussions producing    30                using the department’s smart
                                                                                                                              mediation services.
                                                                                                                                                                     UAE Bankruptcy Law, bounced
                                                                                                                                                                     cheques, commercial agencies,
                            a proactive opportunity to lobby        several practical recommendations       ADVOCACY                                                 and real estate development
                            the government on behalf of the         addressing existing challenges in       MEETINGS HELD     The value of settled cases reached     and challenges.
                            business community and covering         the market. The two-day retreat,                          AED 5 million and the total value
                            five issues that impact them.           organised by Dubai Chamber of                             of mediation cases handled
                                                                    Digital Economy, supports the                             amounted to over AED 30 million.
                            Organised by Dubai Chamber of           vision of His Highness Sheikh
                            Digital Economy the first-ever Future
                            Growth Forum in Dubai attracted
                                                                    Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
                                                                    Vice President and Prime Minister       200               The Legal Services Department
                                                                                                                              organised seven webinars in
                            500 participants representing 24        of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to       MEDIATION CASES   2021 that were attended by
                            sectors that are key contributors       position Dubai as a global capital of   RECEIVED          2,500 participants. The webinars
                            to Dubai’s economy, including UAE       digital economy.                                          examined important legal
38                                                                                                                                                                                                     39
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Human Capital
Creating A Positive
Working Environment
Ensuring the health and safety of staff and developing
their skills remained top priorities for Dubai Chamber
of Commerce.
40
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                           ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                            57%
                                                               staff such as free annual health
                                                               checks and discounted gym
                            EMIRATISATION RATE                 memberships, Dubai Chamber
                                                               organised tailored wellness and
                                                               fitness initiatives during Dubai
                                                               Fitness Challenge to promote
                                                               healthy lifestyle and habits.
                            1,415
                            TRAINING HOURS
42                                                                                                                  43
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
44
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                              ANNUAL REPORT 2021
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE,        It did so by carrying out extensive     items of research and data support     for the businesses in the UAE that
                            research on the economic and            to varying Dubai Chamber of            provides a practical training and
DUBAI TRADE SECTOR
                            business impact of COVID-19,            Commerce departments.                  tailor-made support on how to
AND MARKET TRENDS.
                            identifying potential business                                                 grow their business online, enter
                            opportunities and monitoring            Research covered a wide variety        new markets, boost sales and drive
                            economic trends through its             of topics and issues, including the    repeated business with eBay. Since
                            business outlook survey and             diversification of UAE exports,        its establishment, 62 companies
                            intelligence reports, sector analyses   inflation, business confidence,        have joined the program.
                            and business guides.                    Dubai trade sector and market
                                                                    trends, Dubai-Africa and Dubai-        Google and Dubai Chamber
                                                                    ASEAN trade and investment, the        joined forces to launch Business
                                                                    role of technology in manufacturing    Online Presence, a comprehensive
                                                                    sector, opportunities of Dubai agri-   digital solution designed to help
                            41                                      food trade with the OIC markets.       businesses in the UAE manage
                                                                                                           their online presence, maximise
                            RESEARCH REPORTS                        A total of 555 business reports        visibility and attract new
                            PREPARED                                were sold through the Credit Rating    customers. The new solution was
                                                                    service, while 272 companies           launched during a webinar co-
                                                                    joined the Global Trusted Member       hosted by the two entities.
                                                                    e-Network.
46                                                                                                                                             47
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
48
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                      ANNUAL REPORT 2021
109                         TACKLING
                            SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
                                                                   Network saw its members grow
                                                                   steadily during the year to 69.
                                                                                                           Sustainability Week 2021 campaign
                                                                                                           on Celebrating Diversity and
                                                                                                                                                  to raise employee awareness on
                                                                                                                                                  environmental preservation and
CSR LABEL                   The Dubai Chamber Sustainability       Dubai Chamber’s CSR Label               Inclusion resulted in having more      implement best practices.
APPLICATIONS                Network, a platform for sharing        attracted 109 applications.             than 50,000 participants from
                            expertise and strategy on CSR and                                              around 50 organisations.               ADVANCING
                            sustainability challenges, held a      GIVING BACK                                                                    HIGHER EDUCATION
                            series of virtual events to keep the   In the early part of the year,          Chamber staff volunteered 200          The University of Dubai, an initiative
                            business community connected and       Dubai Chamber launched the              hours for initiatives such as Zayed    of Dubai Chamber, launched
50                                                                                                                                                                                     51
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
INTERNATIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS
52
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
International Partnerships
54
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Expanding Dubai’s
Trade Ties
Dubai Chamber took international        86 business networking events,           arranged by the Chamber during
outreach efforts to the next level as   including 28 live events and 57          2021, while it supported the opening
it hosted business delegations from     webinars, which were attended            of three new trade offices in Dubai
around the world that attended          by 15,000 businesspeople from            focusing on promoting business
Expo 2020 Dubai and leveraged           around the world.                        exchange between the emirate and
the mega event to fuel global                                                    Vanuatu, Argentina and Africa.
business exchange.                      With the aim of building Dubai’s
                                        business ties in promising markets,      Dubai Chamber’s representative
Dubai Chamber received a total          21 outbound activities were              offices - located across
of 2,983 international delegations      organised, which included trade          Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Ghana,
representing 73 countries in 2021       missions and participation in global     Mozambique, Kenya, China,
and met with over 6,800 visiting        events and trade fairs. A total of 582   Brazil, Panama, India, and
delegates. The Chamber organised        business matching meetings were          Argentina – are the driving
                                                                                 force behind the organisation’s
                                                                                 ambitious international
                                                                                 expansion strategy. They study
                                                                                 business opportunities in more
                                                                                 than 80 countries, build ties
                                                                                 with public and private sector
                                                                                 stakeholders in emerging
                                                                                                                        11
                                                                                 markets, identify business
                                                                                 opportunities for Dubai Chamber
                                                                                                                                                EXISTING OFFICES           FUTURE OFFICES
                                                                                 members, and support foreign           INTERNATIONAL            Baku, Azerbaijan           Mexico City, Mexico
                                                                                 companies with their entry into        OFFICES
                                                                                 the Dubai market.                                               Buenos Aires, Argentina    Moscow, Russia
                                                                                                                                                 Shanghai, China            Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam
                                                                                 The Chamber’s international
                                                                                 offices conducted 2,394 meetings       4                        Shenzhen, China
                                                                                                                                                 Mumbai, India
                                                                                                                                                                            Jakarta, Indonesia
56                                                                                                                                                                                                     57
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                       ANNUAL REPORT 2021
International Partnerships
                            As Expo 2020 Dubai opened              business community with a world         GLOBAL BUSINESS                        virtual participants. Approximately
                            its doors in the UAE in October        of possibilities during 2021. For       FORUMS AT EXPO 2020                    180 bilateral business meetings
                            2021 – the largest in-person event     companies based in Dubai and            Over 3,000 government officials,       took place on the sidelines of the
                            since the onset of the pandemic        around the world, that means a          business leaders and industry          event, held under the theme The
                            – Dubai Chamber of Commerce            once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to       experts representing 91 countries      New Frontiers.
                            worked in close collaboration          meet, mingle and collaborate on         took part in the 6th Global
                            with organisers to create and          opportunities in one of the fastest-    Business Forum Africa at Expo          The Chamber received heads of
                            stage a series of inspiring            growing cities in the world.            2020 Dubai, which featured             state and high-level attendees at
                            and action-oriented Thematic                                                   two days of thought-provoking          these events including, H.E. Felix
                            Business Forums to meet the            Hosted both physically and              sessions highlighting exciting         Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo –
                            ever-changing needs of the global      virtually at the Dubai Exhibition       business opportunities emerging        President – Democratic Republic
                            business community.                    Centre, the Thematic Business           across the continent. A record 550     of the Congo; H.E. Paul Kagame
                                                                   Forums aim to highlight emerging        bilateral meetings between African     – President – Republic of Rwanda;
                            Moreover, by joining forces as an      business opportunities, the latest      and UAE investors were held on         Hon. Dr. Constantino Chiwenga
                            official partner at Expo 2020, Dubai   ideas and technologies, plus serve      the sidelines of the event.            – Vice President – Republic of
                            Chamber also helped connect the        as a platform to connect, create                                               Zimbabwe; H.E. Dato Lim Jack
                                                                   and innovate.                           A total of 24,800 African              Hoi - ASEAN Secretary General;
                                                                                                           companies are now registered with      H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada
                                                                   During the forums of the fair’s first   Dubai Chamber, marking a 15.5%         - President of the Republic of
                                                                   three months, business leaders          increase compared to 2019 and          Costa Rica; Hon. Dr. Ruhakana
                                                                   around the world converged to           reflecting GBF Africa’s growing        Rugunda - Former Prime Minster
                                                                   discuss topical issues affecting        reputation as a leading platform for   of Uganda; H.E. Pierre Dartout
                                                                   business, including climate change      establishing economic partnerships     - Prime Minister – Monaco; H.E.
                                                                   and biodiversity, space, urban and      and strengthening trade relations.     Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah -
                                                                   rural development, knowledge                                                   Deputy Prime Minister – Republic
                                                                   and learning.                           The inaugural GBF ASEAN,               of Namibia; H.E. Toomas Hendrik
                                                                                                           meanwhile, was created with the        Ilves - Former President of the
                                                                                                           mission to provide a boost to          Republic of Estonia; H.E. Attilio
                                                                                                           the economic and trade relations       Fontana - President of the
                                                                                                           between the UAE and the                Lombardy Regional Government;
                                                                                                           Association of South East Asian        H.E. Aziz Aaliev - Deputy Prime
                                                                                                           Nations (ASEAN). It was attended       Minister - Kyrgyzstan; and H.E.
                                                                                                           by a total of 1,368 delegates from     Kersti Kaljulaid - Former President
                                                                                                           58 countries – including 250           of Estonia.
58                                                                                                                                                                                    59
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                               ANNUAL REPORT 2021
International Partnerships
Mobilising the
Chambers Community
60                                                                                                                      61
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DUBAI CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
INITIATIVES
62
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
64
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                      ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                 His Excellency Abdul Aziz                                   HE Hamad Buamim, President            H.E. Buamim noted that interest
                                                                 Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai                               & CEO of Dubai Chambers and           and participation in the MRM
                                                                                                      33
                                                                 Chambers, said the MRM                                      Chairman of the MRM Business          Business Awards has grown
                                                                 Business Award, a member of                                 Award Steering Committee              significantly in recent years
                                                                 the Mohammed bin Rashid Al           WINNING COMPANIES IN   said: “Since Dubai Chamber            in line with Dubai’s economy
                                                                 Maktoum Global Initiatives, forms    LATEST AWARD CYCLE     launched the Mohammed bin             and business community. He
                                                                 an essential part of the culture                            Rashid Al Maktoum Business            noted that this is also a result
                                                                 of institutional excellence that                            Award in the year 2005, it has        of the far-reaching benefits
                                                                 the UAE’s wise leadership is                                endeavoured to foster a culture       seen by participating and
                                                                 keen to foster within business                              of excellence within business         winning companies, which go far
                                                                 communities across the
                                                                 region. He described the MRM
                                                                                                      205                    communities, enhance economic
                                                                                                                             competitiveness, and raise industry
                                                                                                                                                                   beyond recognition. He added
                                                                                                                                                                   that a majority of participating
                                                                 Business Awards ceremony
                                                                                                      COMPANIES AWARDED      standards. Over the years, the        companies in the last awards
                                                                 as a celebration of business
                                                                                                      TO DATE                prestigious awards have evolved       cycle came from the UAE. A total
                                                                 excellence and innovation                                   into a comprehensive and              of 88 companies from other GCC
                                                                 coinciding with a pivotal moment                            integrated programme designed         countries, accounting for 13%
                                                                 for the UAE as it welcomes                                  to help companies adopt best          of all participants, applied to
                                                                                                      1,950
                                                                 the world at Expo 2020 Dubai,                               international practices and 205       the programme.
                                                                 celebrates its Golden Jubilee and                           companies have been awarded
                                                                 maps out a new bold vision for       APPLICATIONS           to date, while over than 1,950
                                                                 the post-COVID era.                  SUBMITTED SINCE 2005   applications have been submitted.”
66                                                                                                                                                                                                    67
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bolstering Dubai’s
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Dubai Startup Hub, the entrepreneurship arm of Dubai
Chamber of Commerce, supports aspiring entrepreneurs
by helping them turn their business ideas into a reality.
68
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT 2021
70                                                                                                                                                                                   71
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                      ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                                             ADVANCING                            A GROWING
                                                                                                                             ENTREPRENEURIAL                      KNOWLEDGE HUB
                                                                                                                             EDUCATION                            Helping entrepreneurs turn their
                                                                                                      1,929
                                                                                                                             Dubai Startup Hub, in                idea into a tangible reality, the
                                                                                                                             partnership with ByteDance,          Dubai Startup Hub released the
                                                                                                      ENTREPRENEURS          launched the first TikTok            Dubai Startup Outlook 2021; a
                                                                                                      BENEFITTED             Academy in the region, with          go-to guide for doing business
                                                                                                                             the purpose of educating             and investing in startups in Dubai,
                                                                                                                             entrepreneurs on how to validate     developed in partnership with
                                                                                                                             their business idea, grow their      Dtec, the largest tech entrepreneur
                                                                                                                             brand online, and convert            centre in the region.
72                                                                                                                                                                                                       73
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Empowering Women
in Business
Established in 2002 under the umbrella of Dubai
Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Business Women
Council has dedicated its efforts to enhancing gender
parity in society and encouraging women to play an
active role in building the country and stimulating
sustainable development.
74
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                              ANNUAL REPORT 2021
76
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                      ANNUAL REPORT 2021
78                                                                                                      79
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Promoting Dubai as a
Global Associations Hub
Dubai remains an attractive hub for international
associations thanks to the work and support of the
Dubai Association Centre.
80
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT 2021
82                                                                                                                          83
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PHOTO GALLERY
2021
84
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                            ANNUAL REPORT 2021
During Gulfood Breakfast Briefing event, organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce on the sidelines of the        A high-level Italian business delegation from Confindustria Cisambiente visits Dubai Chamber’s headquarters
Gulfood 2021 exhibition in Dubai (February 2021)                                                               to discuss collaboration prospects (March 2021)
During the visit of HE Ambassador Mesganu Arga Moach, State Minister, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ethiopia
(February 2021)
86                                                                                                                                                                                                                           87
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT 2021
During the visit of Mexico’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Martha Delgado Peralta (April 2021)
Dubai Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU with TikToK, to launch the Dubai Chamber – TikTok Academy,      During the visit of Romanian Consul General, HE Nicoleta Teodorovici (June 2021)
a four-week educational programme that will help 1,000 startups and SMEs grow their businesses using
TikTok (April 2021)
88                                                                                                                                                                                                         89
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                             ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                               H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Economy; H.E. Reem
                                                                                                               Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Managing Director for Expo 2020 Dubai;
A high-level delegation from Israel, led by Dr. Ron Tomer, President – Manufacturers’ Association of Israel,   and H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work
attends a business seminar at Dubai Chamber’s headquarters (June 2021)                                         Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy address participants during the Future
                                                                                                               Growth Forum (June 2021)
90                                                                                                                                                                                                                         91
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                             ANNUAL REPORT 2021
The board of Dubai Chambers holds its first meeting in 2021 where it discussed key objectives and priorities   The board of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy discusses activities and priorities for 2021 (July 2021)
(June 2021)
The Board of Dubai Chamber of Commerce adopted a 90-day plan to drive business growth in Dubai                 An ICC-UAE meeting on trade diversification was held at the headquarters of Dubai Chamber of
(July 2021)                                                                                                    Commerce (July 2021)
92                                                                                                                                                                                                                      93
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT 2021
HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chambers, receives H.E. Moon Byung-Jun, the   The Board of Directors of Dubai International Chamber discusses new strategy and plans to boost Dubai’s trade
Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai (August 2021)                        with global markets (September 2021)
94                                                                                                                                                                                              95
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                        ANNUAL REPORT 2021
The Dubai Digital Economy Retreat was attended by over 100 industry experts who shared their insights and
recommendations for supporting the growth of digital companies operating in Dubai (September 2021)
                                                                                                             Dubai Chamber of Commerce hosts the 6th edition of Global Business Forum Africa at Dubai Exhibition Centre
                                                                                                             in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai (October 2021)
96                                                                                                                                                                                                                   97
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                            ANNUAL REPORT 2021
HE Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of   Dubai Chamber of Commerce hosted the Dubai Dialogue 2021 at Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme
Dubai Chambers, address participants at the Space Business Forum, held at Expo 2020 Dubai            Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy (October 2021)
(October 2021)
                                                                                                     HE Sara Falaknaz, Member of Federal National Council and HE Hisham Al Shirawi, Board Member of Dubai
                                                                                                     Chamber of Commerce speak at the Urban & Rural Development Business Forum, hosted at Expo 2020 Dubai
                                                                                                     (November 2021)
98                                                                                                                                                                                                      99
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                 ANNUAL REPORT 2021
HE Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chambers, received a delegation from UnionCamere and Promos   The advisory board of the Dubai International Chamber meets at DP World’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
Italia, where an MoU was signed to strengthen bilateral ties (November 2021)                          (November 2021)
                                                                                                      Dubai Startup Hub hosts a networking event concluding the 2nd edition of the Emirati Development
                                                                                                      Program (November 2021)
100                                                                                                                                                                                                           101
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                      Dubai Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai hosts the first edition of the Global
                                                                                                      Business Forum ASEAN at Dubai Exhibition Centre (December 2021)
Dubai Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the International Chamber of Commerce and its World     Dubai Chamber of Commerce received a high-level Costa Rican delegation, led by the country’s President HE
Chambers Federation hosted the 12th World Chambers Congress (12WCC) in Dubai (November 2021)          Carlos Alvarado Quesada (December 2021)
102                                                                                                                                                                                                           103
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                                                                                                     ANNUAL REPORT 2021
                                                                                                            Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised at its premises the UAE-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum, which was
                                                                                                            attended by HE Daniyar Amangeldiev – Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, and HE
                                                                                                            Askarbek Dzhanybekov- Minister of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic (December 2021)
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman & Chief
Executive Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman Dubai Airports, and H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman
of Dubai Chambers, honoured 33 companies that were named winners of the 11th cycle of the MRM Business      The Knowledge & Learning Business Forum was organised in cooperation with Expo 2020 Dubai, at the DP
Award, the 3rd cycle of the MRM Business Innovation Award, and the 1st cycle of the MRM Customer            World Pavilion (December 2021)
Excellence Award (December 2021)
104                                                                                                                                                                                                                105
DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE                                                                                 ANNUAL REPORT 2021
Dubai Chamber of Commerce hosts a meeting with Business Groups and Business Councils where participants
were informed of new developments impacting the business community in Dubai (December 2021)
106                                                                                                                      107
www.dubaichamber.com