
Dubai Chambers Strengthens Thai Ties as Investments Hit $626 Million
Direct Thai investments in Dubai have reached around $626 million over the past five years, according to Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, who reaffirmed the Emirate's growing economic ties with Thailand during a recent trade mission to Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the 'Doing Business with Thailand' forum in Bangkok on May 29, Lootah announced the launch of a new Dubai International Chamber office in the Thai capital. The move, part of Dubai Chambers' 'New Horizons' initiative, aims to deepen collaboration with Thailand's private sector and open new avenues for trade and investment.
Thailand is already one of Dubai's key trading partners in the ASEAN region. Non-oil trade between the two reached $6.5 billion in 2024, marking a 23% rise from $5.3 billion in 2023. Lootah highlighted this growth as a clear sign of the strengthening economic momentum between the two sides.
The opening of the Bangkok office coincided with a broader trade mission involving 20 Emirati companies exploring market opportunities in Thailand. The initiative is part of Dubai Chambers' wider plan to establish 50 international representative offices by 2030 to support the global expansion of UAE businesses and bolster Dubai's position as a commercial hub.
Lootah underscored the chamber's commitment to empowering local companies to access international markets, forge strategic partnerships, and contribute to Dubai's long-term economic goals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate broker programme tops $136m in deals amid Emiratisation drive
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has revealed that its Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme has driven more than AED500m ($136.1m) in real estate transactions since its launch, as the initiative continues to exceed expectations in boosting Emirati participation in the sector. Designed to develop national talent and promote sustainable economic growth, the programme has now trained and licensed a new generation of qualified Emirati brokers, achieving over 180 per cent of its annual target by the end of April 2025. In total, 231 new real estate brokerage firms have been officially registered under the programme so far. Dubai real estate Emiratisation As part of the initiative, Emirati participants undergo specialised training delivered in collaboration with accredited academic institutions. Graduates receive a three-year broker licence that allows them to operate legally within Dubai's regulatory framework. DLD noted that this has already translated into significantly improved broker performance and greater deal volumes. The programme forms a strategic part of the Dubai Social Agenda 2033, which aims to increase the share of Emiratis working in the real estate brokerage sector to 15 per cent within the next three years. DLD is calling on developers and brokers not yet involved in the programme to participate and contribute proposals. The initiative is built on strong public-private collaboration, with more than 71 strategic partners (including 26 real estate development firms, 38 brokerage companies, and four training institutes) working closely to support its objectives. To further incentivise firms, DLD will soon launch a points-based rewards system for brokerage companies that employ Emiratis. This system will boost participating firms' rankings within the DLD's evaluation framework, improving their competitiveness in the market.


Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai's New Blueprint Elevates Education, Sustainability & Governance
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has greenlit an ambitious slate of strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering Dubai's stature as a global epicentre for education, business, and eco‑development. The moves—from visa reforms and international academic partnerships to air‑quality drives and governance frameworks—signal a broad shift aligned with the emirate's Education Strategy 2033 and Economic Agenda D33. At the heart of the agenda is Dubai's higher‑education transformation. With 37 international university branches on its soil, the emirate plans to nearly double that figure to over 70 by 2033. The initiative, spearheaded by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Department of Economy and Tourism, sets out to admit international students up to 50% of enrolments—projected to boost higher‑education contributions to GDP by AED 5.6 billion. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai will strive to be among the top ten citadels for global students, aiming to host 11 universities ranked in the global top 200 rankings. To facilitate this international appeal, Dubai will streamline student‑visa systems, introduce competitive scholarships, and extend post‑study work visas to help retain talent. These steps dovetail with new academic and career guidance measures, designed to ensure that 90% of graduates—Emirati and otherwise—secure employment aligned with their fields within six months of graduation. The KHDA‑led policy also mandates that 80% of educational institutions offer robust career advisory services and 70% of students gain admission to one of their top three university or job choices. ADVERTISEMENT In parallel, the Executive Council approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre project, aiming to deepen the emirate's capacity for global dispute resolution and bolster its legal infrastructure. The centre, developed in partnership with Europe's ADR Centre, is expected to strengthen Dubai's appeal to investors by offering cost-effective and transparent mediation services. Environmental sustainability also features prominently in Sheikh Hamdan's policy mix. The newly approved Air Quality Strategy 2030 seeks to achieve clean air standards on 90% of days, capped PM2.5 levels at 35 µg/m³, and cut emissions of CO, NO₂, SO₂, and ground‑level ozone. The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, in conjunction with multiple government entities, will spearhead the implementation, alongside plans to expand green spaces and designate car‑free zones in selected districts. Dubai's construction sector is set for a governance overhaul through a new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects. The policy introduces a tiered evaluation system based on project cost and establishes stricter frameworks for public‑private partnerships, oversight, and performance standards. These measures are intended to complement the Economic Agenda D33 and ensure greater accountability in government infrastructure development. Reflecting on youth empowerment, Sheikh Hamdan remarked: 'Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism and openness to the world,' highlighting an integrated approach that spans education, career preparation, and innovation support. The Crown Prince indicated that these policies are inspired by Vice President and Prime Minister Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's broader vision for knowledge and innovation‑driven growth. This suite of strategic decisions was ratified at Emirates Towers, with attendance by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reinforcing the high‑priority status of these reforms. Together, these policy pillars mark a concerted effort to integrate education excellence, environmental stewardship, governance integrity, and legal infrastructure into the core of Dubai's development narrative. As the emirate accelerates toward its 2033 targets, it aims not only to attract global talent and investment but also to elevate the quality of life and economic vitality for its residents.


Middle East Eye
a day ago
- Middle East Eye
UAE ambassador's firm linked to Bangladesh airports data deal
An Emirati state-owned business appointed to set up a new passenger information system at Bangladeshi airports sub-contracted part of the project to a company co-owned by the UAE's own ambassador to the country. Documents seen by Middle East Eye appear to raise questions about whether the arrangement delivers value for money for the Bangladeshi government or travellers facing higher prices as a consequence of inflated costs linked to the new system. They also raise questions about a potential conflict of interest on the part of the UAE's ambassador in Bangladesh, Abdulla Ali Alhmoudi, who has promoted closer ties between the aviation sectors in the two countries. Iftekhar Zaman, the executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, called for an investigation into the deal, which he said appeared to amount to 'a clear case of conflict of interests and an abuse of power'. Zaman told MEE: 'As a public servant, an ambassador cannot be involved in any business activity without specific approval of the government. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters 'The first question, therefore, is whether such approvals were obtained. An equally important question is what is the source of the capital he has invested. 'More importantly, an in-service public official cannot have business relationships with the government. No less important is the potential reputational damage caused by an ambassador.' Middle East Eye has contacted Alhmoudi, the Emirati embassy in Dhaka, the Emirati foreign ministry, the Bangladeshi government and the companies and individuals named in this story but none had responded at the time of writing. Bangladeshi officials with knowledge of the deal also refused to comment due to concerns that speaking out would jeopardise Bangladesh's relationship with the UAE. Deal signed by previous government The new passenger information system is being implemented in order to bring Bangladeshi airports in line with international standards requiring the collection of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data. In December 2022, the governments of Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore setting up API and PNR systems in Bangladesh. Shattered Lands: How Doha and Dubai could have joined India or Pakistan in 1947 Read More » An Emirati state-owned business, Emirates Technology Solutions (Etek), based in Fujairah was appointed to lead the project. In turn it subcontracted the work to a Dubai-based company named Identima which was registered in 2021 by Alhmoudi. At the time of Identima's registration, Alhmoudi was serving as the UAE's charge d'affaires in Dhaka - the second-highest diplomatic post in the country - raising questions about whether he was already using his position to advance business interests. Before Dhaka, Alhmoudi served as the UAE's deputy head of mission in Libya from 2013 to 2014. Alhmoudi is listed in business documents as a partner owning a 34 percent share and as the manager of the company. Two Bangladeshi nationals, Muntasir Billa Shahariar and Sajed Ahammad Sami, are also listed as partners, with each holding a 33 percent share in Identima. Shahariar appears to have enjoyed close ties with the former Awami League government led by then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which was toppled by popular protests last August. Images seen by MEE show Shahariar attending private meetings with Hasina. Neither Etek nor Identima had any apparent previous experience in setting up or running airport information systems. Swiss software Identima then agreed a deal for the system to be built using software provided by a Swiss company, SITA, which is considered to be one of the world's leading specialists in the field, and which provides IT systems for the UAE's own airports. The documents also mention a second company, Entrust, which appears to have worked in coordination with Identima. Business records list Entrust as a technical partner involved in integrating SITA's software - although its precise role remains unclear. Identima is named in these documents as the 'paying agent'. UAE pardons Bangladeshis jailed for protesting against ousted leader Sheikh Hasina Read More » The documents appear to raise questions about whether the agreement has resulted in Bangladesh paying over the odds for use of SITA's software. MEE understands that under the deal Bangladesh was initially to be charged a fee of around $6.50 per passenger, although this was later reduced to $4. But the International Civil Aviation Organization recommends a fee of $3.50 per passenger, while SITA is understood to charge $1.50 per passenger for providing the same services in the UAE, according to sources familiar with these details. SITA typically makes agreements with governments, airport authorities, or national aviation bodies. Any third party involved in handling SITA systems would need to be authorised either by the company itself or by the relevant contracting government entity. MEE contacted multiple aviation experts who declined to comment on SITA and its pricing, citing commercial sensitivity. The documents also raise questions about the appropriateness of Alhmoudi's apparent business interests in the project. Alhmoudi has promoted the UAE's deepening involvement in Bangladesh's aviation sector in his official duties. In Septemberr, he met Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, the chair of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, to discuss expanding cooperation in areas including 'ground handling services, anti-drone systems, and passenger information systems', according to Bangladeshi media reports. 'As a public servant, an ambassador cannot be involved in any business activity without specific approval of the government' - Iftekhar Zaman, Transparency International Bangladesh A memorandum of understanding signed between Etek and Identima in October 2021, which is signed on Identima's part by Shahariar and by Alhmoudi as a witness, notes that each company 'warrants that no conflict of interest exists or is likely to arise'. It states that each company will notify the other if a conflict arises, and that both will seek to resolve it. MEE has asked Alhmoudi, Shahariar, and both companies whether they have taken any steps to address Alhmoudi's apparent conflict of interest. The Vienna Convention, the United Nations treaty governing the conduct of international diplomacy, strictly forbids diplomats from profiting from professional or commercial activities in the countries where they are based. Alhmoudi was appointed ambassador in Dhaka on 21 September 2022, just over three months before the memorandum was signed on 28 December that year. Zaman, of Transparency International Bangladesh, told MEE: 'All these matters should be thoroughly investigated through due process to ensure the accountability of the ambassador, as well as those who were involved in the approval of this contract.' The revelations about Alhmoudi's involvement come as the current MoU between Bangladesh and the UAE is due to expire at the end of this month. MEE has seen a copy of a renewal agreement dated 2 July 2024 which was signed by Alhmoudi on behalf of the government of Fujairah. In a letter to the Bangladeshi foreign ministry dated 22 May, the UAE's embassy in Dhaka requested a further extension until 30 June 2026. 'Slow progress' The future of the project now appears clouded by uncertainty. In April, Bangladesh's Financial Express reported that CAAB was 'making slow progress' in implementing the passenger information system It reported that a committee had been created earlier this year to review and evaluate proposals from different countries. 'A revolution': Bangladeshis hope for democracy and justice after Hasina flees Read More » A CAAB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the newspaper that the aviation authority planned to implement SITA through a company charging a "comparatively higher cost" than the ICAO recommendation of $3.50 per passenger, and raised concerns that the additional burden would fall on passengers, namely Bangladeshi labourers working abroad. The UAE and Bangladesh share strong economic and diplomatic relations, with trade between the two countries in recent years worth $2bn. Besides being one of Bangladesh's top five sources of foreign investment, the Emirates hosts approximately 1.2 million Bangladeshi workers across various sectors, with remittances from the UAE worth millions to the Bangladeshi economy. Both countries have also seen a change in relations after the fall of Hasina. In 2025, the UAE has signed several MOUs with Bangladesh to collaborate further in development, technology, finance, tourism and to explore direct shipping between the Bangladeshi port city of Chittagong and Dubai. Following lobbying from Mohammed Yunus, the chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, the UAE also released dozens of Bangladeshis who protested in the Emirates against Hasina's rule.