Latest news with #AbuDhabiChamberofCommerceandIndustry


Mid East Info
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Chamber Membership Rises 4.9% to 157,000+ Companies - Middle East Business News and Information
Abu Dhabi-UAE. July 2025 – Membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has grown to 157,207 companies, a 4.9% increase between September 2024 and June 2025. The growth reflects the Chamber's efforts to empower businesses through tailored services, bridge the private and public sectors, and improve access to investment opportunities. At a press briefing, Abu Dhabi Chamber outlined key achievements over the last nine months, highlighting the Chamber's commitment to supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi. Since September 2024, ADCCI has hosted 69 business events with government bodies, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 partnership agreements. It has also joined 11 outbound delegations and opened its first overseas representative office in Poland, a strategic step in expanding Abu Dhabi's international economic footprint. His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said at the briefing: 'Abu Dhabi's economic strength is reflected in the number of new members, and we believe strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will continue to produce success. The rise in memberships highlights the Chamber's strategic role as a key partner in economic development and a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community, sharing its ambitions and providing the tools and resources to compete on the global stage.' The Chamber's performance correlates with Abu Dhabi's economic progress. The emirate's GDP reached AED291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4% increase year-on-year, driven by a 6.1% rise in non-oil sectors to account for 56.2% of total GDP, reflecting success of economic diversification strategy. The private sector continues to accelerate economic growth and diversification as evidenced by their impactful role in the highest growing non-oil sectors and largest contributors to economic output such as manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and trade. In addition to its external engagements, the Chamber continued strengthening its internal services. Between September 2024 and June 2025, ADCCI recorded a 90.23% customer satisfaction rating on the TAMM platform. The Chamber's call centre responded to more than 18,900 inquiries, demonstrating its level of responsiveness and service quality. ADCCI continues to support the private sector by improving regulatory frameworks and facilitating open dialogue with policymakers. To date, it has formed 15 working groups comprising business leaders to identify challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions across key industries. It has published 364 economic reports to support decision-making and held 10 workshops attended by over 1,000 private sector representatives to help the business community better understand legal and commercial opportunities. The Chamber has also honoured seven companies with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in recognition of their commitment to quality and innovation. The press briefing heard how effective communication is vital to promoting Abu Dhabi's business environment. HE Al Dhaheri stressed the role of national media in spotlighting private sector achievements and amplifying success stories that capture the scale of Abu Dhabi's transformation while shaping its image as a world-class business and investment destination. ADCCI's work is closely aligned with the objectives of Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy and supports wider national economic goals through targeted support for SMEs, exporters, and investors. Its 2025–2028 roadmap, developed in close collaboration with the private sector, guides ADCCI's efforts to provide key market insights and access to investment opportunities. Through its roadmap, ADCCI will continue to strengthen capacity building and contribute to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Abu Dhabi's economy.


Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi Chamber membership rises 4.9% to over 157,000 companies
Membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has grown to 157,207 companies, a 4.9 per cent increase between September 2024 and June 2025. The growth reflects the Chamber's efforts to empower businesses through tailored services, bridge the private and public sectors, and improve access to investment opportunities. At a press briefing, Abu Dhabi Chamber outlined key achievements over the last nine months, highlighting the Chamber's commitment to supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi. Since September 2024, ADCCI has hosted 69 business events with government bodies, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 partnership agreements. It has also joined 11 outbound delegations and opened its first overseas representative office in Poland, a strategic step in expanding Abu Dhabi's international economic footprint. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said, 'Abu Dhabi's economic strength is reflected in the number of new members, and we believe strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will continue to produce success. The rise in memberships highlights the Chamber's strategic role as a key partner in economic development and a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community, sharing its ambitions and providing the tools and resources to compete on the global stage.' The Chamber's performance correlates with Abu Dhabi's economic progress. The emirate's GDP reached Dhs291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4 percent increase year-on-year, driven by a 6.1 percent rise in non-oil sectors to account for 56.2 percent of total GDP, reflecting success of economic diversification strategy. The private sector continues to accelerate economic growth and diversification as evidenced by their impactful role in the highest growing non-oil sectors and largest contributors to economic output such as manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and trade. In addition to its external engagements, the Chamber continued strengthening its internal services. Between September 2024 and June 2025, ADCCI recorded a 90.23 percent customer satisfaction rating on the TAMM platform. The Chamber's call centre responded to more than 18,900 inquiries, demonstrating its level of responsiveness and service quality. ADCCI continues to support the private sector by improving regulatory frameworks and facilitating open dialogue with policymakers. To date, it has formed 15 working groups comprising business leaders to identify challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions across key industries. It has published 364 economic reports to support decision-making and held 10 workshops attended by over 1,000 private sector representatives to help the business community better understand legal and commercial opportunities. The Chamber has also honoured seven companies with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in recognition of their commitment to quality and innovation. The press briefing heard how effective communication is vital to promoting Abu Dhabi's business environment. Al Dhaheri stressed the role of national media in spotlighting private sector achievements and amplifying success stories that capture the scale of Abu Dhabi's transformation while shaping its image as a world-class business and investment destination. ADCCI's work is closely aligned with the objectives of Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy and supports wider national economic goals through targeted support for SMEs, exporters, and investors. Its 2025–2028 roadmap, developed in close collaboration with the private sector, guides ADCCI's efforts to provide key market insights and access to investment opportunities. Through its roadmap, ADCCI will continue to strengthen capacity building and contribute to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. WAM


Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Inaugural World Franchise Day celebrates sector's growing potential
11 June 2025 22:08 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The pivotal role of the franchise sector in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs came to the fore during a forum held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to mark the inaugural World Franchise Day, to be marked annually on June 11. Titled "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us", the forum was organised by the Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen event, held at the Abu Dhabi Chamber's headquarters, brought together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private sector entities involved in or interested in the franchise her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, reaffirmed the franchise sector's role within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture. She emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional Tamimi said: "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum."The franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded Dh100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed Dh6 trillion, according to the Abu Dhabi the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over Dh120 billion. Globally, the sector encompasses more than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting economies and promoting entrepreneurship, it a recorded speech presented during the forum, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, stressed that World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape and raises awareness of the franchise sector's role in shaping modern economies. UAE a Global Franchising Hub Speaking to Aletihad, Al Tamimi stressed the UAE's growing influence as a global franchising hub."The UAE naturally is the most suitable host for this, because of the ease of doing business, the support our leadership provides, and the national focus on diversifying beyond the oil sector. Today, we have surpassed $30 billion as a market size for franchising - and there is still room for further expansion."Explaining the vision behind the Emirates Franchise Association, she noted that their main goal is to enhance the franchising ecosystem in the UAE and make it a global powerhouse for further highlighted the enabling environment already in place, pointing to Abu Dhabi's position as a global centre for franchising and innovation."Abu Dhabi today is a franchise-friendly environment. Take Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, for example - it supports SMEs with funding specifically to help them scale through franchising. If you apply and meet the criteria, you can receive a grant to prepare your brand and business for the franchise model. And that is just one of many initiatives both the Khalifa Fund and Emirates Franchise Association provide to support growth." 'A Golden Platform' Mona Saqr Al Matrooshi, Board Member of the Ajman Businesswomen Council and Director General of the Ajman Society of Social & Cultural Development, told Aletihad that events like International Franchise Day offer real value for aspiring entrepreneurs."Many people do not have enough background in franchising," she said."This event is a true investment opportunity - where they can meet franchise owners, exchange ideas, and grow their businesses. It is a golden platform for those who know how to seize opportunities.""With the UAE's open economy, every citizen or resident should have their own project. What matters is knowing when and how to seize opportunities."Entrepreneur Mohammed Al Nuaimi said "franchising is a shortcut" for those who want to start a business without sufficient experience."The brand provides you with the readiness-from the basic structure to the complete business manual. The entrepreneur only needs to study the brand's suitability for the local market, whether in the UAE or the Gulf Region, and then start operating in record time. However, if they want to establish a project from scratch, they need to conduct a feasibility study, analyse the market, and identify the target group. They can then choose the appropriate sales model." 'Gaining Financial Freedom' Also speaking to Aletihad, Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder and CEO of Forever Rose, highlighted the potential of franchising in shaping the UAE's business future."Franchises offer people the opportunity to gain financial freedom, take responsibility for their careers, and run their own businesses. It is a ready-made platform. I see this as a launchpad for more billionaires and millionaires in the future.""From cafés to restaurants, franchising is everywhere. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth, and the UAE has the potential to be a franchise hub for the entire Middle East. Anyone seeking a franchise in the region will look to the UAE as their go-to destination," Al Samadi Al Saigal, Founder and Partner of Rolling Wheels Entertainment, told Aletihad that franchising is a smart path for rapid, efficient expansion."My advice to anyone with a project they believe in is to adopt the franchise model. It saves time, effort, and money. Instead of spending 7 million on 7 branches, I invest 1 million in one location while others expand the brand under the same system. As the founder, I benefit from franchise fees-both upfront and monthly."However, she urged patience and preparation. "Do not rush into franchising. You need at least two to three years of stable operations, with fully documented processes, before expanding. Let your business mature first - then grow with confidence." Meeting of Minds The forum included a dialogue session called "Meeting of Minds," bringing together leading franchise owners in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry experts. They discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises, along with the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable program also featured an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association's achievements and showcasing successful Emirati brands that have expanded locally and internationally through franchising. The event also included several accompanying activities, most notably the "Franchise Walk," which showcased a selection of local and international brands. In addition, the Association organised advisory sessions in collaboration with several consultancy firms, offering specialised professional guidance on the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of the franchise model.


Mid East Info
27-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Chamber opens first representative office in Katowice, ushering in a new era of UAE–Poland relations
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCC) has officially opened its first international representative office in Poland, marking a pivotal moment in the Chamber's global expansion strategy. The opening reflects the Chamber's commitment to strengthening its international presence and is a historic step forward in the growing relationship between the two countries. This event was attended by senior Emirati and Polish officials and executives including His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, and representatives of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), KEZAD Group, and leading private sector entities. H.E. Bartlomiej Babuśka, CEO of the Upper Silesian Fund, H.E. Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and H.E. Leszek Pietraszek, Deputy Marshal of the Silesian Voivodship, where among the many dignitaries in attendance from the Polish side. The new office of the ADCCI in Katowice will serve as a tangible symbol of the UAE's commitment to fostering enduring, strategic partnerships with Poland and the Central European region. It will act as a key platform for Emirati companies seeking entry into European markets and allow Polish firms to explore new opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. Katowice was strategically chosen as the location due to its central role in Poland's industrial landscape and its increasing relevance in European economic affairs, making it an ideal location to advance bilateral economic relations. As part of efforts to strengthen the economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Poland, emphasized the significance of the opening of the new office of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the city of Katowice. This step represents an important move to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties and supporting both nations' efforts to build sustainable strategic partnerships that serve their mutual interests. The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its full commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at developing economic and trade relations with the Republic of Poland, contributing to the strengthening of both countries' positions on the global economic map. H.E. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Chamber, said: 'This office represents a bridge between two economies to shape a better future. Our presence in Katowice reflects the Chamber's commitment to building more international partnerships to enhance cooperation, innovation, and prosperity.' The visit also featured the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), high-level roundtables, and the Poland–UAE Economic Cooperation Forum. These engagements aim to further cement economic ties between the two countries and underscored the UAE's positioning as a global hub for innovation and business. About the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry: The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is the official representative body of Abu Dhabi's private sector. It plays a key role in shaping the emirate's economic landscape by enhancing trade and supporting business growth, both regionally and internationally. Through its network, the Chamber continues to promote Abu Dhabi as a hub of innovation, opportunity, and sustainable development.


Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE and China strengthen economic cooperation at AIM Congress 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE – In line with ongoing efforts to explore promising opportunities in the new economy, trade, and investment sectors, the United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China have reaffirmed their strategic economic cooperation during the 'Invest in China, Guangxi' session, held as part of the AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The high-level session was organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government of Guangxi, China, and was attended by senior government officials, leading business executives, and global investors. Strategic Vision for Economic Collaboration His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, emphasized the strength of UAE-China economic relations, describing them as a model for successful strategic partnerships built on diversity and innovation. He affirmed the UAE's commitment to deepening its economic ties with China and highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative as a vital driver of regional connectivity and international cooperation. His Excellency also praised Guangxi's strategic position and growing economic potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia and a platform for shared development. Expanding Opportunities Through SMEs and Investment H.E. bin Touq noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a key area of cooperation between the UAE and China. He highlighted the increasing presence of Chinese businesses in the UAE, with over 15,500 Chinese companies operating across free zones and advanced industrial hubs, and emphasized the vital role played by both countries' business communities in advancing bilateral economic cooperation. Guangxi: A Gateway to Southeast Asia In his remarks, H.E. Lan Tianli, Governor of the People's Government of Guangxi, commended the UAE's leadership in fostering international economic collaboration. He underscored Guangxi's strategic geographic location and the region's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the UAE in sectors such as trade, investment, and infrastructure. He stressed that the session aimed to open new horizons for sustainable growth and shared prosperity through joint efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative. Advancing Bilateral Trade and Global Development Goals H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber, reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to enhancing trade and investment relations with China. He noted that Guangxi's economic potential presents unique opportunities for collaboration and emphasized the importance of building strong economic bridges that contribute to global development objectives. H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the UAE to China, highlighted the synergy between the UAE's position as a regional trade gateway and Guangxi's strategic location. He encouraged companies to seize the emerging opportunities and work together towards sustainable economic growth. H.E. Zhao Liang, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, lauded the expanding economic partnership between the two nations and expressed confidence in Guangxi's potential to contribute significantly to joint development efforts. Private Sector Engagement and Institutional Cooperation Mr. Raad Al-Saady, Second Vice Chairman – Managing Director, ACWA Power , emphasized the robust and long-standing collaboration between UAE and China, particularly in energy and infrastructure. He acknowledged the Belt and Road Initiative as a key enabler for further cooperation and underlined Guangxi's growing appeal as an investment destination. The session also featured promotional presentations by representatives of major institutions including the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Beibu Gulf Port Group, and Gargash Motors. These presentations showcased Guangxi's expanding trade capabilities and its integration into global economic networks. Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of World FZO, announced the official inclusion of the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone into the organization's international network. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to strengthen collaboration in trade, research, and innovation. Looking Ahead The 'Invest in China: Guangxi' session marks another milestone in the UAE-China economic partnership and underscores both nations' commitment to advancing trade, investment, and innovation through strategic initiatives and mutual cooperation.