Director General outlines Dubai Chamber's new focus

His Excellency congratulated 15 regional business leaders, who were honoured at this year's CEO Middle East Awards ceremony held in Dubai.

He presented the winners with a trophy and briefed the audience on Dubai's economic status and the new direction of Dubai Chamber.

His Excellency outlined Dubai Chamber's efforts to expand its reach into new and emerging markets in order to increase its global network and benefit its member companies.

"Our focus now is on strengthening Dubai's connectivity with key high growth markets and we are currently in the process of opening our first overseas offices, three of which will be operational by the end of this year," H.E. Buamim said.

"Our focus is to target countries with the highest potential to increase trade with Dubai and we plan to open up to 20 such offices around the world over the next three to five years," he said.

"These offices will serve as a gateway for our members to trade and investment opportunities in select countries and regions, while at the same time helping to promote Dubai as an investment destination and re-export centre," H.E. Buamim explained.

His Excellency told the audience, including some of the region leading entrepreneurs,that green shoots are appearing in Dubai's job market and these areenhancing consumer expectations.

"Dubai's key industry sectors of trade, tourism, logistics and financial services are continuing to develop and lead economic growth. Retail is performing well and the real estate sector is steadily improving, especially after Dubai's largest developers recently delivered strong quarter profits," H.E. Buamim said.

"Consumer expectations for the year to come are high. People expect to have more money in their pockets as business conditions continue to improve and more jobs become available, as is currently the case," he said.

"Dubai is in good shape and the outlook has shifted to a more confident one. Through all the previous economic turmoil, Dubai has retained its position as the Middle East's most forward thinking business hub. More companies have come to Dubai because it is a safe haven and we have seen interest from foreign delegations, who are keen to do business in our country," H.E. Buamim said.