Dubai Business Forum 2023: Highlights Special

Dubai's Focus on Africa

• Dubai Chamber sees Africa as one of the most important markets for business and investment.
• There are currently 19,000 active members of Dubai Chamber from Africa, with approximately 600 coming from South Africa.
• The number of exports from Dubai Chamber members to Africa has shown steady growth, averaging more than 60%.
• Dubai's strong logistic network, including its airlines and ports, makes it a global connector for doing trade with Africa.
• Dubai Chamber has seven offices in Africa, covering all regions of the continent.
• Dubai Chamber organizes outbound missions to Africa to increase trade and investment.

Importance of Dubai's Airlines and Connectivity

• Dubai's airlines, such as Emirates, play a crucial role in connecting the city to the rest of the world.
• Dubai focuses on attracting transit and stopover traffic to increase tourism and business opportunities.
• Dubai Chamber works closely with airline partners to identify capacity and encourage travel to the city.
• Dubai also looks for opportunities to open up new markets by instigating demand and working with local carriers from key source markets.

Dubai's Emphasis on the Digital Economy

• Dubai sees the digital economy as one of the fastest-growing sectors, touching various industries including real estate and fintech.
• Fintech is the largest sector within the digital economy and is expected to continue growing.
• Dubai aims to become a platform for companies to explore emerging markets and test new technologies.
• The target for the digital economy in Dubai is to reach $150 billion by 2030.

Dubai's Role in Space Exploration and Technology

• Dubai has been using space as a platform for development and has made advancements in space exploration and technology.
• The Emirates Mars mission and the ASNOA program have led to increased interest in the space sector from investors and businesses.
• Dubai aims to be a hub for new technologies and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to create an environment for growth.

Partnerships and Opportunities

• Dubai Chamber is actively expanding its presence in Africa, with increased offices and collaborations.
• Dubai sees Africa as a significant growth opportunity, particularly in sectors such as consumer goods, commodities, and pharmaceuticals.
• Dubai Chamber has signed agreements with companies to support their expansion in Africa, such as Luta Biofuels Inc. and Bioventes.
• The MOU with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy aims to facilitate the import of skills to Dubai and increase collaboration with international talent.
• Dubai aims to create an environment where businesses can experiment, innovate, and grow, particularly in emerging markets.

Dubai's Focus on Sustainability and Global Partnerships

• Dubai acknowledges the challenges in the global economy, such as the green transition and inflation.
• Dubai is committed to sustainability and has preparations for hosting COP28.
• Dubai's growth strategy and development have been supported by its capital base and vision.
• Dubai emphasizes the importance of partnerships, regulatory environment, and understanding the global landscape in promoting trade and investment.