Dubai-German Economic Forum

As the official organizer with the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, the Dubai Chamber is encouraging local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity in a bid to promote Dubai as the investment hub of the region to German perspective investors.

The forum which is being organized by INDEX, the conferences and exhibitions organizers, is the first imitative by Dubai in Germany, and aims to further develop and enhance the flow of investment between the two countries.

Mr. Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutaiwee, the Director General of the DCCI highlighted that the economic dialogue with Germany is already very strong, as the UAE is considered to be Germany's top importer, 'but this initiative aims to equalize this commercial relationship by encouraging German investment in Dubai', commented Mr. Al Mutaiwee.

From the German side, the German Commercial and Industrial Office in Dubai is playing an important role in encouraging German investors to use this opportunity to get better understanding of the investment and commercial opportunities and the facilities available in Dubai.

'Many German companies are unaware of the great economic atmosphere prevailing in the UAE, as well as the great opportunities, products and services provided here which would fulfill the needs of the perspective German investors', commented Dr Freidrich, the Director of the German Commercial and Industrial Office in Dubai.

The forum constitutes of 11 subjects of roundtable discussions; banking and financial services, industrial development and joint ventures, building construction and real estate, infrastructure and environmental technology, health care, life science, medical devices and medical service, tourism and related industries, logistics and aviation industries, business women, IT, media, education and training, doing business in Iraq via Dubai, and legal guidelines to make business in Dubai.

'A very important exhibition is also being held in conjunction with this forum, showcasing the products and services of some of Dubai's biggest organizations from both the public and private sectors' said Mr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Banna, the Deputy Director General of the Dubai Chamber.

Some of the exhibitors already enlisted are; DCCI, DDIA, the Palm, Emaar, Dubai Police. 'This is a very important event along side the forum, as it will showcase Dubai's manufacturing capabilities which many German companies are unaware of' commented Mr. Al Banna.

The exhibition will occupy an area of 1500 sq meters, but can be expanded according to the level of participation.

Dr Friedrich pointed out that the discussions on business women in particular will occupy an important part of the forum, which is why he feels its vital for the Dubai Business Women's Council to participate.

The Dubai Chamber and the German Commercial and Industrial office in Dubai are meeting with the Business Women's Council this week to highlight the significance of their participation. The bilateral non-oil trade with Germany through Dubai's ports reached around $1.7 billion last year.