Dubai Chamber - Annual Report 2016

A N N U A L R E P O R T / 2 0 1 6
The Innovation
Paradigm

TABLE OF CONTENTS
02 Board
members 26 Policy
Advocacy 40 Global Islamic
Economy Summit
04 Vision and
strategic objectives 28 Legal
support 42 Outbound
delegations
06 Chairman’s
message 30 Business research
and e-commerce 44 Inbound
delegations
08 President and
CEO's message 32 Innovation
46 Community
10 Overview of our
new strategy 34 Smart
Chamber 48 Human
resources
12 Dubai
overview 2016 36 International
Offices 50 Dubai Chamber
initiatives
22 Dubai Chamber
overview 2016 38 Global Business
Forums 68 Photo
gallery
1

BOARD MEMBERS
Majid Saif Al Ghurair
Chairman
Majid Hamad Rahama Al Shamsi
1st Vice Chairman
Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi
2nd Vice Chairman
Abdul Jalil Yousuf Darwish
Treasurer
Helal Saeed Al Marri
Vice Treasurer
Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg
Member of the Executive Committee
Yahiya Saeed Bin Ahmed Lootah
Member of the Executive Committee
H.E. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Member of the Board
Amna Kalfan Al Jallaf
Member of the Board
Ebrahim Ahmed Al Abbas
Member of the Board
Dr. Ahmed Saif Belhasa
Member of the Board
Buti Saeed Al Ghandi
Member of the Board
2 Dubai Chamber Annual Report 2016

Rashid Humaid Ali Al Mazroei
Member of the Board
Shehab Mohamad Gargash
Member of the Board
Sofia Abdulla Saleh
Member of the Board
Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah
Member of the Board
Abdul Hamied Ahmad Seddiqi
Member of the Board
Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair
Member of the Board
Ali Abdullah Al Shafar
Member of the Board
Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim
Member of the Board
Faisal Juma Kalfan Belhoul
Member of the Board
Faiza Alsayed M.Y.AlHashemi
Member of the Board
Hani Rashid Bin Rashid Al Yateem
Member of the Board
3

VISION AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
VISION
To be the best Chamber in the world
MISSION
Represent, support and protect the interests
of the business community in Dubai

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Create a favourable business environment.
Promote Dubai as an international business hub.
Support the development of business.
Achieve institutional excellence and efficient
management of resources.
5

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
THE 2030 DUBAI INDUSTRIAL
STRATEGY WILL CREATE
THOUSANDS OF NEW
JOBS, SIGNIFICANTLY
BOOST OUR EXPORTS, AND
ELEVATE THE EMIRATE
INTO A GLOBAL HUB FOR
INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIES
AND BUSINESSES.
Chairman
Despite global economic challenges,
Dubai remained resilient in 2016 as
robust activity within its trade, logistics,
aviation and tourism sectors continued
to fuel growth and investor confidence.
Preparations for Expo 2020 served as a
catalyst for expansion and foreign direct
investment with a number of mega
projects progressing across the emirate.
Dubai’s ability to shield itself from a
global slowdown is the direct result
of the forward-looking vision of His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and
Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,
which is centred on the emirate’s
ambitious diversification policies
under the Dubai Plan 2021. Over the
last year, we have learned a lot more
about the objectives of the UAE’s
post-oil strategy, which puts a stronger
emphasis on building a knowledge-
based economy that fosters innovation.
As we take our diversification efforts
to the next level, we see huge potential
for Dubai and the UAE to build up
capacities in new areas. The 2030
Dubai Industrial Strategy will create
thousands of new jobs, significantly
boost our exports, and elevate
the emirate into a global hub for
innovative industries and businesses.
In addition, investment in research and
development will play an essential role
in boosting our competitiveness.
It’s also worth noting that we have
seen positive changes over the last
year, including increased collaboration
between the public and private
sectors and the adoption of innovative
strategies, according to the 2nd edition
of the Dubai Innovation Index, which
we recently unveiled.
In addition, major initiatives such as the
Dubai Future Accelerators, have put the
emirate on the map as a global hub for
innovation and smart city solutions.
Going forward, we believe the engines
of new growth will be fueled by the 3 I’s
– innovation, industry and infrastructure
– alongside the key sectors that have
served Dubai well. Dubai Chamber
will support new initiatives that aim
to advance our economy and play an
active role in communicating these
strategies to the private sector.
With the UAE marking 2017 as the
“Year of Giving”, we will also work to
encourage the business community
to become more socially responsible
and promote the spirit of volunteerism.
Through our combined efforts, we
stand to make a much greater impact
that will ultimately advance the
development of our society.
Chairman

"NEW GROWTH WILL
BE FUELLED BY THE
THREE I’s – INNOVATION,
INDUSTRY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
7

INNOVATION DRIVES
DUBAI'S ECONOMIC
FUNDAMENTALS
“WE ARE COMMITTED TO
ENSURING A FAVOURABLE
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
THAT CREATES LONG-
TERM VALUE FOR DUBAI'S
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
AND ALL GLOBAL ENTITIES
THAT SEEK TO BUILD AND
STRENGTHEN BUSINESS
RELATIONS WITH OUR CITY.”
Hamad Buamim
President Chief Executive Officer
PRESIDENT AND CEO’S MESSAGE

Dubai Chamber is now one of the
largest membership-based chambers of
commerce in the world, an achievement
that reflects the inspiring growth of
Dubai over the last few decades.
In 2016, we saw 16,800 companies join
the Chamber as new members, bringing
our total membership to 201,000. We
are committed to ensuring a favourable
business environment that creates
long-term value for Dubai's business
community and all global entities that
seek to build and strengthen business
relations with our city.
This mission is at the core of our
new strategy under which we will
strive to become the best chamber
of commerce in the world by 2021
by driving competitiveness and
business growth. Through our strategic
initiatives and events, we will promote
Dubai as an attractive global business
hub and support the growth of the
private sector.
The Chamber has an important role to
play in facilitating this transformation,
which is why we are aiming to become
Dubai’s happiest place to work. We are
also working to achieve institutional
excellence by implementing innovation-
focused strategies and leveraging
smart technologies to strengthen our
competitive advantage.
As a trusted partner to our members
and a bridge between business and
government, we are focused on
boosting Dubai’s global profile as a
leading trade and investment hub that
continues to offer new and exciting
growth opportunities.
Throughout 2016, we worked towards
these ambitions by hosting several
high-profile events that introduced
our members to opportunities in
promising markets. We organised
two Global Business Forums on the
Commonwealth of Independent States
and Latin America for the first time,
which generated a great deal of local
and international interest. The Forums
also served as important platforms for
enhancing economic cooperation and
facilitating new partnerships.
The third Global Islamic Economy
Summit put the spotlight on major
trends reshaping Islamic finance, halal
products and family tourism, and other
fast-growing sectors of the Islamic
economy. By hosting this premier
summit, we were able to cement
Dubai’s position as a capital of the
global Islamic economy, and provide
more clarity on the factors that are
driving its growth.
We have made innovation an essential
part of our strategy, initiatives and
activities, as it will surely be the driving
force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Last year, we launched the second
edition of the Dubai Innovation Index to
encourage the private sector to foster
a culture of innovation. We also invested
in next generation business with the
launch of the Dubai Smartpreneur
Competition and Dubai Startup Hub.
We now look to build on these
achievements and focus our efforts on
new markets and opportunities that
will provide the most potential for our
members and businesses in Dubai. We
are optimistic about the prospects for
2017, and remain confident that we can
achieve great things with the continued
support of Dubai’s leadership, our
partners, and the emirate’s thriving
business community.
Hamad Buamim
President Chief Executive Officer
9

OVERVIEW OF NEW STRATEGY
6
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES TO
DRIVE STRATEGY EXECUTION
2021
TARGET YEAR FOR
ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES
Promote
DUBAI AS A GLOBAL
BUSINESS HUB
Dubai Chamber has announced a new
customer-oriented strategy to support
its vision of becoming the best chamber
in the world by 2021 by driving
competitiveness and business growth.
The new strategy reinforces the
Chamber’s role as a trusted partner to
Dubai’s business community and a bridge
between business and government.
The strategy is based on Dubai
Chamber’s core values to drive Dubai’s
business competitiveness, foster
business growth, and serve as a
change agent for the economy.
The Chamber has set internal processes
to help implement this strategy based
on 4 key pillars: promote Dubai as an
international business hub that attracts
global businesses and helps them
grow; create a favourable business
environment; support the development
of business in the emirate by fostering
entrepreneurship and innovation; and
excel to become the best chamber of
commerce in the world by 2021.
Underlining this strategy is a commitment
to excel, led by four key enablers. These
enablers are positioning the Chamber to
become Dubai’s happiest place to work,
achieving institutional excellence through
innovation, leveraging smart technology
and data as a competitive advantage,
and diversifying revenue sources and the
sustainable management of resources.
DUBAI CHAMBER HAS
OUTLINED SIX MAJOR
INITIATIVES TO DRIVE
EXECUTION OF ITS
NEW STRATEGY
A NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Create
A FAVOURABLE BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT
Support
THE DEVELOPMENT OF
BUSINESS IN DUBAI
Excel
BECOME THE BEST
CHAMBER IN THE WORLD
In addition, six initiatives have been
outlined to execute this strategy,
namely Dubai 2021, Pro Dubai, Business
Voice, Entrepreneurship, Activate Dubai
and Best Chamber, with each of these
including several sub-initiatives and
flagship events.
Dubai Plan 2021 ensures that the
Chamber supports the government
in executing by taking the lead in
transforming the business community,
enabling companies to benefit from
new growth opportunities. Under Pro
Dubai, the Chamber will enhance its
international network and promote Dubai
as an attractive location to establish
commercial ties and businesses.
Business Voice leverages the Chamber’s
relationships and stakeholders to
become the voice of Dubai’s business
community, while Entrepreneurship is
about fostering innovation to create,
sustain and achieve the highest level
of profitability.
Activate Dubai aims to provide the best
and most appropriate services to the
Chamber’s members through strong
engagement and innovation. Lastly,
Best Chamber provides the foundation
to support Dubai Chamber to realise
its vision, and drive performance and
accountability.
11

DUBAI OVERVIEW 2016
Despite global economic challenges, Dubai remained
resilient in 2016. It outperformed other economies in
the region as new strategies were launched with the
aim of further diversifying for the post-oil era.

DUBAI PLAN 2021 AND
EXPO 2020 ARE EXPECTED
TO FUEL ECONOMIC GROWTH
13

DUBAI OVERVIEW 2016
IN 2016, DUBAI MADE
HEADWAY IN EFFORTS
TO DIVERSIFY AND
ACHIEVE GROWTH
16th
UAE'S GLOBAL
COMPETITIVENESS RANKING
(Source: World Economic Forum)
1st
IN ARAB WORLD FOR EASE
OF DOING BUSINESS (UAE)
(Source: World Bank)

Trade, tourism, travel and logistics
continued to drive the emirate’s
economic growth in 2016, while
revenue sources were restructured
and broadened.
The total number of tourists in Dubai
reached nearly 15 million in 2016.
The Dubai Plan 2021 and preparations
for Expo 2020 were key factors that
helped fuel infrastructure spending and
expansion. A number of mega projects
came to fruition, such as the Dubai
Canal, and construction work was
launched on The Tower at Dubai Creek
Harbour which, once completed, will be
100 metres taller than Burj Khalifa.
Meanwhile, the UAE maintained its
position as the leading country in the
Arab world in ease of doing business,
according to the World Bank’s latest
Doing Business rankings. The country
also led the region in competitiveness,
climbing one spot from last year to
place 16th on the World Economic
Forum’s Global Competitiveness
Report 2016-2017.
In addition, Dubai was recognised as
the Middle East’s leading smart city,
led by its high-tech infrastructure and
execution of smart initiatives, in the
Gulf States Smart Cities Index report by
global research firm Navigant.
NEW STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES
The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 was
launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President
and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai
to elevate Dubai into a global platform
for knowledge-based, sustainable and
innovation-focused businesses.
The new industrial strategy includes
75 key initiatives aimed at generating
an additional total revenue of AED 160
billion by 2030. It’s expected to create
27,000 jobs in the industrial sector, and
boost exports by AED 16 billion. Six
priority sectors have been identified,
namely aerospace, maritime, aluminium
fabricated metals, pharmaceuticals
medical equipment, food beverages,
and machinery equipment.
The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy was
launched to position Dubai as a hub
for 3D printing technology. It focuses
on three major sectors, namely
construction, medical products and
consumer products. Around 25% of the
emirate’s buildings are expected to be
3D printed by 2030 under the strategy.
Plans for Dubai Wholesale City were
unveiled which will become the world’s
largest wholesale hub once the project
is completed. The AED 30 billion
development will span over 550 million
square feet and increase the UAE's
share of the global wholesale trade
sector to AED 18 trillion within the
next five years.
DUBAI INDUSTRIAL
STRATEGY 2030
THE FOCUS TURNS TO
KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION
AND SUSTAINABILITY
15

DUBAI OVERVIEW 2016
In line with the emirate’s aims to
become a hub for innovation and smart
city solutions, the AED 1 billion Dubai
Future Accelerators programme was
launched. The competitive scheme
pairs government departments with
innovative companies to find solutions
to challenges of the 21st century.
TRADE
Trade remained the cornerstone
of Dubai’s economy in 2016 with
non-oil foreign trade amounting to
AED 952 billion in the first nine months
of the year. The total volume of traded
goods rose 11% year-over-year to
70.82 million tonnes of commodities.
Imports were valued at AED 594 billion;
and exports and re-exports reached
AED 109 billion and AED 249 billion,
respectively.
Mobile phones topped the list of
high-value commodities traded with a
value of AED 124 billion, followed by
gold and diamonds which accounted
for trade values of AED 116 billion and
AED 73 billion, respectively.
China was Dubai’s top trading partner
in the first nine months of 2016 with
AED 121 billion worth of bilateral trade
recorded. India came second with
bilateral trade at AED 70.4 billion,
followed by the United States at
AED 64 billion.
Saudi Arabia was Dubai’s fourth largest
trading partner, and the emirate's top
trading partner in the GCC region, with
trade between the two sides reaching
AED 39.4 billion in the same period. In
addition, a 64% increase in trade value
was recorded between Switzerland and
Dubai, bringing bilateral trade to AED
36 billion.
AED121bn
VALUE OF NON-OIL DUBAI-
CHINA TRADE IN FIRST 9
MONTHS OF 2016
11%
YEAR-OVER-YEAR INCREASE
IN TOTAL VOLUME OF
TRADED GOODS
AED952bn
NON-OIL FOREIGN TRADE IN
FIRST 9 MONTHS OF 2016

FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Dubai once again underlined its
strength in attracting foreign direct
investment (FDI) in 2016. According
to Dubai FDI, the city attracted FDI
valued at AED 17.7 billion in the
first half of 2016. Strengthening the
emirate’s position as a preferred
market for foreign investment is a
major focus of the Dubai Plan 2021,
and collaboration between the public
and private sectors is expected to
enhance FDI in the future by boosting
investor confidence.
In addition, the International Sustainable
Investment Centre was launched at
the second annual Dubai Investment
Forum 2016. The Centre will focus on
developing institutional capacities to
advance sustainability and attract FDI
into sustainability initiatives.
AED313bn
Mobile phones
Gold
Diamonds
Source: Dubai Customs
HIGH VALUE COMMODITIES TRADED
AED17.7bn
FDI RECORDED
IN H1-2016
AED952bn
Imports
Exports
Re-exports
AED 594
billion
AED 109
billion
AED 249
billion
NON-OIL FOREIGN TRADE IN 2016 (UP TO Q3)
AED116billion
AED73billion
AED124billion
Source: Dubai Customs
17

DUBAI OVERVIEW 2016
NEW BUSINESSES
The Department of Economic
Development (DED) in Dubai issued a
record 26,707 new business licences in
2016, signaling rising confidence among
investors and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile,
107,043 licences were renewed, 20,873
initial approvals were issued, and 38,918
trade names were reserved.
The Department’s Business Confidence
Index gained 4.9 points quarter-on-
quarter (QoQ) to reach 122.4 in Q3
of 2016. The increase was attributed
to the improved outlook of large
companies in the emirate and a steady
outlook for SMEs.
According to the index, respondents
from Dubai’s manufacturing sector
were the most optimistic about their
prospects in the fourth quarter of 2016,
while the proportion of respondents
expecting business conditions to
improve rose to 50%. More businesses
revealed plans to invest in technology
upgrades, and capacity expansion
increased in Q3-2016 when compared
to the same quarter last year.
Dubai Chamber grew its global network
of members by 9% year-on-year, or
16,800 new companies in 2016, bringing
total membership to 201,000. The total
value of member exports and re-exports
amounted to AED 273 billion.
107,043 renewed
Trade names reserved
New licences
Initial approvals
BUSINESS LICENCES
26,707
20,873
38,918
Source: Dubai Department of Economic Development
9%
201,000DUBAI CHAMBER TOTAL
MEMBERSHIP
YEAR-ON-YEAR
GROWTH IN
MEMBERSHIP
122.4POINTS
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE
INDEX (INCREASED BY 4.9
POINTS IN Q3, 2016)
260,000
SQUARE METRES OF NEW
RETAIL SPACE IN DUBAI

RETAIL
Dubai's retail sector added around
260,000 square metres of new space in
2016, according to JLL’s Year In Review
report. The figure marked the highest
volume since 2010, and showed strong
demand from local and international
retailers. Around 20,000 square metres
of retail space in the Dubai Festival
City expansion were completed, while
progress was made on other key
projects, including the second phase
of The Avenue in City Walk and Ibn
Battuta Mall.
Dragon Mart, the largest trading hub
for Chinese products outside China,
was also expanded significantly to
cater to high demand from retailers
and consumers alike. The Dragon Mart
2 extension, estimated to cost AED 1
billion, is nearly double the size of the
original development.
LOGISTICS
Dubai International Airport solidified
its position as the world’s busiest
airport for international passenger
traffic. The airport saw passenger
traffic increase by 7% to 83.6 million in
2016, while cargo volumes amounted
to 2.59 million tonnes, up 3.4%
compared to 2015.
Aircraft movements reached 418,220
during the same period and the $1.2
billion Concourse D was opened,
boosting the airport’s annual capacity
to 90 million passengers. Dubai
International Airport set a new record
by receiving 105,326 passengers in a
single day on New Year’s Eve.
Dubai International Airport is on course
to welcome 118 million passengers by
2023, and Al Maktoum International
Airport at Dubai South is being
expanded to host 26 million by 2017.
Upon completion, Al Maktoum
International Airport will become the
world’s largest airport with an ultimate
capacity of 220 million passengers and
16 million tonnes of cargo per annum.
Momentum continued to build
around Dubai South as a number of
infrastructure contracts were awarded.
The 140 square kilometre multiphase
project is one of the UAE’s largest
under-construction developments. It
will include clustered zones including
Dubai Logistics City (DLC), Commercial
City, Residential City, Aviation City and
the Golf City. The entire Dubai South
development, expected to cost $32
billion, will drive sustainable growth
within the emirate’s aviation, tourism
and logistics sectors.
83.6mn
PASSENGERS WELCOMED
AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT IN 2016
19

DUBAI OVERVIEW 2016
TOURISM HOSPITALITY
The $1 billion Dubai Water Canal
was officially opened, which spans
12-kilometres and connects Dubai
Creek with the Arabian Gulf. Several
new theme parks were opened by
Dubai Parks Resorts and IMG Worlds
of Adventure, expanding the emirate’s
offerings and strengthening its position
as a leading family entertainment
destination. 2016 witnessed the
opening of the Dubai Opera, a world-
class entertainment venue hosting
some of the most internationally
acclaimed performances.
According to the Dubai Tourism
Commerce Marketing, Dubai welcomed
14.9 million visitors in 2016, compared
to 14.2 million in 2015, a 5% increase.
India was the top source market with 1.8
million visitors, followed by Saudi Arabia
(1.6 million), and the UK (1.25 million).
Total inventory of hotels and hotel
apartments increased to 102,845
rooms in 2016.
REAL ESTATE
The total amount of real estate
transactions recorded in Dubai
during 2016 exceeded AED 259
billion, according to the Dubai Land
Department. A total of 41,776 sales
transactions valued at AED 103 billion
were accounted for, while 15,000
mortgage deals worth AED 128 billion
were recorded.
UAE nationals topped the list of real
estate investors with total transactions
worth AED 22 billion.
14.9mn
NUMBER OF TOURISTS
WELCOMED IN 2016
INDIA, SAUDI
ARABIA AND
UK WERE TOP
MARKETS FOR
IN-BOUND TOURISM
102,845
HOTEL ROOM INVENTORY

12,768 GCC nationals contributed AED
35 billion. 3,294 Saudi Arabian investors
made transactions worth AED 8 billion.
Foreign investment in Dubai’s real
estate sector amounted to AED 44
billion from 22,834 investors of 136
nationalities. Indian nationals topped
the list of foreign investors by value and
volume with AED 12 billion worth of
property transactions and 6,263 buyers.
UK investors made transactions worth
AED 5.8 billion.
Dubai witnessed the launch of 134
new real estate projects in 2016 with a
combined development value of AED
100 billion, and an additional 62 projects
were completed during the year. The
buoyancy of the property market was
reflected in the launch of several mega-
developments including Dubai Creek
Harbour, Emaar South, Palm 360 and
Jumeirah Central, among others.
Dubai Land Department recorded
410,000 lease contracts from different
groups across the emirate, and issued
695 licences over the course of the
year. Meanwhile, demand has grown for
other licence categories, including real
estate development, interim real estate
development, and property valuation
services, among others.
134
NEW REAL ESTATE
PROJECTS IN 2016
22,834
FOREIGN INVESTORS FROM 136
NATIONALITIES
AED259bn
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
RECORDED IN 2016
21

DUBAI CHAMBER OVERVIEW 2016
Membership increased 9% year-over-year to reach
201,000. Over 16,800 new companies joined the Chamber,
cementing its position as one of the world’s largest
membership-based chambers of commerce.

DUBAI CHAMBER
RECORDED ALL-ROUND
GROWTH IN 2016
23

DUBAI CHAMBER OVERVIEW 2016
The Chamber took part in 78 events
across 50 cities and hosted 681
delegations from 81 countries, which
included a total of 1,525 delegates.
The Chamber’s international offices
conducted 484 meetings throughout
the year.
The value of member exports and re-
exports amounted to AED 273 billion in
2016, and 923,056 Certificates of Origin
were issued during the year. Meanwhile,
5,500 ATA Carnets were issued and
received in the UAE, accounting for a
total value of AED 3.1 billion. The number
of customers served also increased 14%
year-over-year to 377,500.
Two Global Business Forums on the
Commonwealth of Independent States
and Latin American regions were
organised by the Chamber for the first
time, which put the spotlight on new
trade and investment opportunities in
those key markets. Hosted in Dubai, the
high-profile forums attracted more than
1,800 attendees in total.
The 3rd Global Islamic Economy
Summit in Dubai, brought together
policymakers, business leaders and
academics to discuss trends that are
reshaping the global Islamic economy.
DUBAI CHAMBER
GREW ITS MEMBERSHIP
AND BOOSTED ITS
BUSINESS SUPPORT
THROUGH SEVERAL
NEW INITIATIVES
9%
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP
16,800
NEW MEMBERS
201,000
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP

In addition, Dubai hosted the 10th
World Retail Congress for the first time,
cementing the emirate’s position as a
leading global retail hub.
Dubai improved its ranking and claimed
the 15th position on the second edition
of the Dubai Innovation Index, which
the Chamber unveiled during UAE
Innovation Week. The progress was
attributed to an increase in innovation-
focused investments, as well as closer
collaboration between public and
private sectors.
Two new initiatives were launched with
the aim of further developing Dubai’s
entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Dubai
Smartpreneur Competition, launched in
cooperation with Dubai Smart Office,
gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to
become part of Dubai’s transformation
to a global benchmark smart city. Dubai
Startup Hub, launched in partnership
with IBM, established an interactive
platform to connect tech companies,
startups, venture capitalists, investors,
and technology enthusiasts.
Supporting the Smart Dubai vision,
Dubai Chamber launched the Human
Capital Management (HCM) app, its
fifth smart app to date. Previously
launched smart apps, include Mobile
Services, Smart Mediation, Smart
Business and Africa Gateway.
The Dubai Association Centre licensed
16 international associations in 2016,
an increase of 100% compared to the
previous year. The Dubai International
Arbitration Centre received 214
arbitration cases, while the Chamber’s
Legal Services department received
710 mediation cases, bringing the
total number of registered commercial
disputes to 924.
The Centre for Responsible Business
organised 31 events for improving
corporate social responsibility and
sustainability, which were attended by
2,126 delegates from 691 companies.
The 6th annual Give Gain Day,
organised under the ENGAGE Dubai
programme, saw the participation of
768 volunteers from 26 companies, who
contributed 1,681 hours to community
projects that benefitted 1,300 people.
377,500
TOTAL CUSTOMERS SERVED
14%
INCREASE IN NUMBER OF
CUSTOMERS SERVED
923,056
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
ISSUED
5,500
ATA CARNETS ISSUED
AND RECEIVED
AED273bn
VALUE OF MEMBER EXPORTS
AND RE-EXPORTS
25

POLICY ADVOCACY
ENHANCING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Dubai Chamber’s Technical Legal
Committee held 41 meetings in 2016
where 46 laws were reviewed, up from
42 laws in the previous year.
During the meetings, laws, by-laws,
cabinet and ministerial decisions and
international conventions were analysed
to ensure that regulation supports
the interests of the emirate’s business
community.
Following the meetings, the Chamber’s
Business Advocacy Committee reviewed
the recommendations and its findings
will be submitted to the Supreme
Legislation Committee in Dubai.
The following regulations were
discussed by the Legal Committee
in 2016:
FEDERAL LAWS
• Federal law concerning
Rationalization of Electricity and
Water Consumption in the UAE’s
Buildings and Establishments (2015)
• Federal law regulating Mining
Activities and the Protection of
Mineral Resources in the UAE (2016)
• Federal law related to Financial
Leasing Contracts (2016)
• Federal law related to Selective
Tax (2016)
• Federal law on Anti- Dumping
and Countervailing Preventive
Measures (2016)
• Federal law concerning Certificates
of Origin (2016)
• Federal law on Pesticides (2016)
CABINET DECISIONS
• Cabinet decision regulating the use
of Coal as a Solid Fuel (2015)
• By-laws of Federal Law No. (23/1999)
regarding Exploitation, Protection
and Development of Living Aquatic
Resources (2015)
• Cabinet decision Encouraging the
use of Environmentally Friendly
Vehicles (2016)
• Cabinet decision amending Cabinet
Decision No. (37/2001) related to By-
Laws of Federal Law No. (24/1999)
and its amendments on Environmental
Protection and Development (2015)
• By-Law of Federal Law No. (11/2015)
Controlling the Trade in Valuable
Stones, Precious Metals and
Hallmarking Procedures (2016)
• Cabinet decision on the UAE's
System for Rating the Quality of the
Meat and Livestock Products (2016)
• Cabinet decision on the Permissible
Limits of Noise (2016)
• Cabinet decision concerning the
UAE Requirements for Vehicle repair
and Service Centers, Maintenance
facilities (2016)
• Cabinet decision on Controlling
Textile Products (2016)
DUBAI CHAMBER
STEPPED UP ITS POLICY
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
41MEETINGS
HELD IN 2016
46LAWS
REVIEWED IN 2016

• Cabinet decision concerning
Unified Numbers for importers and
exporters in the UAE (2016)
• Cabinet decision concerning
registering Food and Feed and their
Establishments (2016)
DRAFTS OF MINISTERIAL DECISIONS
• Ministerial decision regulating the
Importing and Dealing with living
organisms (2016)
• Ministerial decision regulating
the Import of Wild Botanical and
Species Animal (2016)
• Ministerial decision related to
Coral (2016)
• Ministerial Labour decision No.
(739/2016) regarding the wages
protection
DRAFTS OF DECISIONS BY UAE
AUTHORITIES
• The Board of the Emirates Authority
for Standardization and Metrology’s
By-Law regulating the Legal Metrology
Activities in the State (2015)
• Technical by- law on Minimum Limits
of Energy Consumption Related to
Rotary Water Pumps (2016)
• Car Insurance Policy for Loss and
Damage (2016)
• Car Insurance Policy for Civil
Liability (2016)
• UAE Rules Supervising Auto Spare
Parts (2016)
• Technical Regulations for Safety
Requirements for Child Restraint
Seats (2016)
• The UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver
Specifications for AM/ FM/
T-DAB+ (2016)
• Emirates Authority for Standardization
and Metrology (EASM) Resolution
on the UAE System to control Juices
and Beverages (2016)
• Emirates Authority for Standardization
and Metrology (EASM) by- law on
Technical Regulations for Industrial
Measurements (2016)
DUBAI LEGISLATION DRAFTS
• Law regarding Civil Establishments
in the Emirate of Dubai (2016) -
(Final draft)
• Amendment of Law No. (23/2009)
regarding Mohammed Bin Rashid
Establishment for Developing Small
and Medium Enterprises (2016)
GCC LEGISLATION DRAFTS
• The unified law and its By-Laws
regarding Food Safety for GCC
Countries (2015)
• Motor Vehicle-e-Call Emergency Calls
Technical Requirements (2016)
DRAFTS OF INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION/ PROTOCOLS
• International Land Transport
Agreement of Passengers and Goods
between the Government of the UAE
and the Government of the Republic
of Kazakhstan (2016)
• Agreement between the Government
of the UAE and the Governments of
the United States of America, Republic
of Brazil, the Italian Republic, Socialist
Republic of Vietnam, Kingdom of
Spain, Republic of Belarus, Republic
of Indonesia, Republic of Seychelles on
Co-Operation and Mutual Assistance
in Customs Matters (2016)
• Agreement between the Arab
Countries concerning the Transport
of Goods by Road (2016)
• Additional Protocol to the
Convention on the Contract for the
International Carriage of Goods by
(CMR) concerning the Electronic
Consignment Note (2016)
27

LEGAL SUPPORT
STRENGTHENING LEGAL SUPPORT
Dubai Chamber’s Legal Department
received 710 cases in 2016 of which
302 were resolved promptly, marking
a 16% increase when compared to the
number of disputes settled during the
previous year.
The surge reflects Chamber’s important
role as a mediator for the business
community, as well as its ability to
settle disputes in an efficient, cost-
effective and amicable manner.
Throughout the year, the department
responded to 123 queries related to
commercial laws and regulations,
and continued to offer legal services
that enable the seamless operation of
business in the emirate.
The department organised 7 workshops
covering a variety of business matters,
including franchise agreements, the
new Commercial Companies Law, legal
aspects of real estate and managing a
business in Dubai. In addition, a seminar
was held to provide businesses with
more clarity on handling letters of
credit, specifically highlighting how the
process works in international trade.
WE RESOLVED MORE
DISPUTES AND RAISED
AWARENESS ON
LEGAL ISSUES
710
NUMBER OF BUSINESS
CASES RECEIVED
302
NUMBER OF CASES RESOLVED
123
RESPONSES TO LEGAL QUERIES

WORKSHOPS
• Drafting Negotiating Successful
Franchise Agreements
• Latest Developments in the UAE
Labour Law
• Navigating the New Commercial
Companies Law: A Practical Guide
• Key Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Commercial Agencies in the UAE
• Latest Developments in Dubai
Rental Market
• Key Legal Aspect of Managing
Businesses
SEMINAR
• Management of Letter of Credit
Operations: The Exporters and
Importers Perspective
Key legal events in 2016:
29

BUSINESS RESEARCH AND E-COMMERCE
29
MARKET AND BUSINESS
TRENDS REPORTS ISSUED
48
ECONOMIC BULLETINS
PUBLISHED
18,346
INFORMATION SERVICES
PROVIDED
BUSINESS RESEARCH
AND E-COMMERCE
SUPPORT OFFERED
VALUABLE GUIDANCE
TO COMPANIES
INSIGHTS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

189,950
e-LIBRARY USERS
Dubai Chamber continued to improve
its market intelligence, economic
research and e-commerce services in
2016, as these resources remain key
pillars for fuelling business growth in
the emirate.
Our economic research department
prepared 29 market intelligence,
sector-specific and business trend
reports throughout the year. More than
590 business reports were issued as
part of our credit rating services.
The department published 48 economic
bulletins and 12 trade and investment
briefs. It also established the Trade
Pricing Information System to cover
foreign trade and socio-economic
indicators, and market insights were
shared with business groups through
roundtable discussions.
A new agreement was formed with
Alibaba.com to offer Dubai Chamber
members and businesses in the UAE
and Saudi Arabia with a 10% discount
on Gold Membership. This partnership
will open the door for many more
companies that aim to expand their
activities through e-commerce.
The number of e-commerce Trusted
Members registered with the Chamber
reached 350. Over 189,950 users visited
the Chamber’s e-library and 18,346
information services were provided
to members, non-members and
international customers.
31

INNOVATION
15
DUBAI’S RANK ON DUBAI
INNOVATION INDEX 2016
6%
IMPROVEMENT IN
DUBAI PRIVATE SECTOR’S
INNOVATION SCORE
96%
OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY
BELIEVE THAT INNOVATION IS
IMPORTANT TO SUCCESS
Dubai Chamber unveiled the results of
the 2nd edition of the Dubai Innovation
Index in November 2016 during UAE
Innovation Week.
The survey, launched by the
Chamber in cooperation with
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), saw
Dubai improve its ranking to claim the
15th position, outperforming business
hubs such as Madrid, Milan, Shanghai,
and Moscow.
Stronger participation from Dubai’s
private sector in innovation initiatives
was observed as more businesses
began embracing innovation. The survey
also showed increased collaboration
between public and private sectors on
innovation-focused initiatives.
The survey gathered feedback from
57,000 companies from a wide variety
of sectors in Dubai and revealed that
96% of respondents said they believe
that innovation is important to the
success of their organisations, an
increase of nearly 19% when compared
to the first edition of the index.
DUBAI INNOVATION
INDEX SHOWED
STRONGER PRIVATE
SECTOR PARTICIPATION
FOSTERING INNOVATION

89%
OF RESPONDENTS SAID SUPPORT
FROM DUBAI’S GOVERNMENT IS
BOOSTING INNOVATION OUTPUT
AED100mn
DUBAI CHAMBER’S INVESTMENT
ON INNOVATION-FOCUSED
INITIATIVES
The number of firms receiving support
for innovation from government
spending increased by over 19%, while
89% respondents said they believed
that support from Dubai’s government
has boosted innovation output.
The overall innovation score for the
emirate’s private sector rose by 6%
year-on-year to 60.51.
In 2015, Dubai Chamber launched
the first Dubai Innovation Index in
collaboration with PwC to support
Dubai’s goal of becoming the smartest
city in the world by 2021 through
enhanced private sector participation.
The survey is an important tool and
resource for measuring progress on
innovation within the emirate’s private
sector, while it also identifies areas
for improvement.
As part of its strategy, Dubai Chamber
aims to stimulate innovation in the
private sector and invest AED 100
million on innovation-focused projects
and initiatives over the next three years.
33

SMART CHAMBER
5
SMART APPS LAUNCHED
TO DATE
HUMAN CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT
Mobile friendly
HR services
MOBILE
SERVICES
Trade documentation
business services
Supporting the Smart Dubai vision,
Dubai Chamber continued to expand
its range of smart applications
that aim to improve efficiency and
facilitate greater ease of doing
business in the emirate.
In 2016, the Chamber launched the
Human Capital Management (HCM) app
which provides Human Resources (HR)
services to employees at the click of a
button from their hand-held devices.
Through the app, employees can apply
for services including submission of
leave request, salary certificate, and
checking leave balance; and also allows
users to track status of requests from
their mobile phones.
HCM is the fifth Smart App from
Dubai Chamber. Others are the Mobile
Services, Smart Mediation, Smart
Business and Africa Gateway apps.
These solutions have seen a strong
uptick in the number of downloads and
have also helped the Chamber improve
the quality and efficiency of its services.
The Mobile Services app has special
features such as requests for Electronic
Certificates of Origin; searching the
Dubai Commercial Directory; applying
for ATA Carnet and Credit Rating
services; and an online service payment
facility, to name a few.
The Smart Mediation App, which
is the first-of-its-kind in the region,
allows applicants to submit their
mediation requests along with relevant
documents, and make payments. It is in
Arabic and English, user-friendly, and
fast. It also has the option to track new
and previous applications and obtain
status reports. Mediation in business
disputes is a concept that is becoming
increasingly popular across the
Middle East, especially in Dubai. This
alternate dispute resolution method
assists parties in reaching a mutually
satisfactory agreement.
The Smart Business application enables
users to network and connect with
Dubai’s business community through
various features, online business
profiles, and the ability to search for
potential business partners.
DUBAI CHAMBER
ENHANCES ITS RANGE
OF SMART BUSINESS
APPLICATIONS
SMARTER BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

SMART
BUSINESS
Business matching
services
SMART
MEDIATION
Dispute resolution
services
AFRICA
GATEWAY
Intelligence on 10 African
countries
The Africa Gateway app supports
our drive to promote Dubai as the
gateway to the world. Launched as
a facilitator of business at our Africa
Global Business Forum in 2015, the app
provides invaluable insight on economy,
trade, political outlook, overall business
environment and foreign investment,
for 10 key markets on the continent, for
businesses that want to expand to that
region. It is also rich with case studies
of businesses in the UAE that have set
up operations in Africa.
The above-mentioned apps are
available for download on iTunes and
Google Play stores.
35

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
IN 2016, WE OPENED NEW OFFICES IN CHINA, MOZAMBIQUE,
AND KENYA. FUTURE PLANS FOR OFFICES IN BRAZIL, NIGERIA
AND INDIA WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE CHAMBER'S
OUTREACH AND ENGAGE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITIES.
2
Azerbaijan
1 Baku
Brazil
2 São Paulo
China
3 Shanghai
Ethiopia
4 Addis Ababa
Ghana
5 Accra
India
6 Mumbai
Iraq
7 Erbil
Mozambique
8 Maputo
Nigeria
9 Abuja
Kenya
10 Nairobi

484
MEETINGS HELD
20
EVENTS AND OUTBOUND
MISSIONS
7
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
1
7
5
9
10
8
4
6
3
Existing offices
Future offices
37

DUBAI CHAMBER GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUMS
2
GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUMS
ORGANISED IN 2016
1,000+
PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED CIS
GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM
800+
PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED
GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM
ON LATIN AMERICA
DUBAI CHAMBER
CONTINUED ITS GLOBAL
BUSINESS FORUM SERIES
AND PUT THE SPOTLIGHT
ON THE CIS AND LATIN
AMERICA REGIONS
EXPLORING NEW MARKETS

Dubai Chamber organised two high-
profile conferences in 2016 focusing
on the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS) and Latin American
regions for the first time.
The forums, which aimed to explore
new trade and investment opportunities
in these two regions, saw a very strong
turnout and generated a great deal of
interest within business communities
in the UAE and abroad.
Held in Dubai under the theme,
“Ancient Routes – New Opportunities”,
the inaugural CIS Global Business
Forum brought together more than
1,000 delegates from 50 countries.
The forum underlined the success of
the UAE’s economic diversification
strategies and aligned such efforts
with new opportunities opening up
in CIS countries.
More than 100 bilateral meetings
were held during the two-day event,
in addition to thought-provoking
discussions which focused on
expanding trade and economic links
between the UAE and the CIS region.
The Forum also highlighted the need
for both sides to promote innovation
and leverage advanced technologies to
establish the New Silk Road.
The inaugural Global Business
Forum on Latin America, held in the
emirate under the theme “Shifting
Synergies”, served as a platform for
exploring mutual areas of economic
cooperation between the GCC and
Latin American countries.
Over 800 specialists, experts, decision
makers, and business leaders from 32
countries attended the Global Business
Forum on Latin America. A total of
120 meetings and 19 specialised panel
discussions were held during the
two-day forum, featuring 32 speakers,
including two former presidents, and
10 ministers.
Over the years, the Global Business
Forum series has expanded to become
a premier platform to promote Dubai
as a gateway to the world. Initiated
in 2013, the series supports Dubai
Chamber’s international expansion
strategy, as well as its aim to position
the emirate as an attractive trade and
investment destination.
220+
BILATERAL MEETINGS HELD
DURING THE FORUMS
39

GLOBAL ISLAMIC ECONOMY SUMMIT
$3trillion
ESTIMATED VALUE OF ISLAMIC
FINANCE MARKET IN 2020
(Source: Thomson Reuters)
$1.9trillion
VALUE OF SPENDING BY
MUSLIM CONSUMERS IN 2015
3,000+
DELEGATES ATTENDED GIES 2016
The third edition of the Global
Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) was
organised by Dubai Chamber and the
Dubai Islamic Economy Development
Centre (DIEDC), with Thomson Reuters
serving as a strategic partner.
Held in Dubai under the theme
“Inspiring Change”, the high-profile
forum bolstered Dubai’s bid to become
the global capital of the Islamic
economy. The two-day conference was
attended by more than 3,000 delegates,
including policymakers, business
leaders, industry experts, and specialists
from various sectors of the economy,
as well as academics from some of the
world’s largest universities.
During the summit, new challenges
and opportunities were highlighted
within the fast-growing Islamic finance
industry, which is projected to reach
$3 trillion by 2020.
GIES 2016 featured six key sessions
covering global trends reshaping
the Islamic economy, and the Islamic
finance sector in particular. Other
sessions delved into the role of startups
in driving the Islamic economy, in
addition to top trends impacting halal
food and tourism sectors.
THIRD GLOBAL
ISLAMIC ECONOMY
SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTED
NEW TRENDS AND
OPPORTUNITIES
GROWING THE GLOBAL ISLAMIC ECONOMY

Ahead of GIES, the State of the Global
Islamic Economy Report and Global
Islamic Economy Indicator were
launched. Based on a survey of 172
industry leaders, the report revealed
that the value of spending by Muslim
consumers amounted to $1.9 trillion in
2015, while Islamic finance assets were
valued at $2 trillion in the same year.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Crown Prince of Dubai and General
Supervisor of DIEDC, launched the
My Salaam portal and mobile app on
the sidelines of the summit. The portal
and app aim to digitise sectors of the
Islamic economy, empower businesses,
and provide convenience to consumers.
41

OUTBOUND DELEGATIONS
IN 2016, DUBAI CHAMBER'S DELEGATIONS VISITED
34 COUNTRIES AND 50 CITIES, STRENGTHENING
DUBAI'S POSITION AS A GLOBAL BUSINESS HUB
Algeria
1. Algiers
Azerbaijan
2. Baku
Bahrain
3. Manama
Belgium
4. Brussels
Botswana
5. Gaborone
Brazil
6. Sao Paolo
Bulgaria
7. Sofia
China
8. Shanghai
9. Chengdu
10. Hong Kong
11. Hangzhou
Egypt
12. Cairo
Ethiopia
13. Addis Ababa
France
14. Paris
Georgia
15. Tbilisi
Germany
16. Hamburg
Ghana
17. Accra
India
18. Mumbai
Italy
19. Rome
Jordan
20. Amman
Kazakhstan
21. Astana
22. Aktau
Kenya
23. Nairobi
Korea (South)
24. Seoul
Kuwait
25. Kuwait City
Mozambique
26. Maputo
27. Beira
28. Nampula
Netherlands
29. Rotterdam
30. Amsterdam
31. Hague
Oman
32. Muscat
33. Sohar
Philippines
34. Cebu

4749
48
6
Qatar
35. Doha
Russia
36. Moscow
37 Saint Petersburg
Saudi Arabia
38. Jeddah
39. Khobar
40. Riyadh
South Africa
41. Johannesburg
42. Cape Town
Spain
43. Madrid
44. Barcelona
Sweden
45. Stockholm
United Kingdom
46. London
United States
47. Washington
48. Salt Lake City, Utah
49. San Francisco
Uzbekistan
50. Tashkent

34
COUNTRIES VISITED
50
CITIES VISITED
78
EVENTS ATTENDED
1
43
44
2
21
50
36
37
2215
8
24
34
9
11
7
19
4
16
45
2930
31
17
14
46
5
3
35
32
33
25
38
39
40
18
13
23
26
41
42
27
28
12 20
10
43

Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Colombia
Costa Rice
Cote d'Ivoire
Cyprus
Djibouti
Dominican
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Egypt
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
KSA
Kurdistan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Mozambique
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Panama
Pakistan
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Russia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovenia
Somalia
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Uganda
UK
Ukraine
Uruguay
USA
Vietnam
INBOUND DELEGATIONS
DUBAI CHAMBER WELCOMED 681
DELEGATIONS FROM 81 NATIONS IN 2016.

INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS AND MEETINGS
681
DELEGATIONS RECEIVED
1,525
DELEGATES ATTENDED
MEETINGS
80
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED BY
VISITING DELEGATIONS
45

COMMUNITY
CREATING SOCIAL IMPACT
DUBAI CHAMBER
INCREASED ITS
COMMITMENT TO
CORPORATE SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
THROUGH A VARIETY
OF INITIATIVES
34,205
INDIVIDUALS BENEFITTED
40.6%
STAFF VOLUNTEERED
24
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
SUPPORTED
Dubai Chamber staff participate in Dubai Holding vertical marathon to support Al Jalila Foundation

Dubai Chamber supported 24
community initiatives and 33
community organisations in 2016,
benefitting over 34,000 individuals.
More than 40% of our staff
volunteered for various events and
programmes throughout the year.
Supporting the UAE’s Year of Reading
Initiative, employees took part in a
week-long Knowledge Camp, while
many volunteered their time by reading
to students at local schools. The
Chamber launched The Social Coin, a
pay-it-forward challenge, in which 63
staff members participated and carried
out 757 acts of kindness.
Chamber staff participated in
several other campaigns and events,
including Zayed Humanitarian Day,
Dubai Municipality’s Car Free Day,
DEWA’s Earth Hour and Dubai Land
Department’s Why do you keep it?
charity campaign, among others.
Dubai Chamber donated 6.22% of its
total revenue in cash and kind towards
community initiatives. This included its
ongoing support to the University of
Dubai, an initiative of Dubai Chamber,
which opened a new state-of-the-art
campus in Dubai Academic City that
achieved LEED Gold certification.
As part of the Chamber’s efforts to
enhance the health of its staff, their
families and the broader community,
the Sehhati Wellness Programme was
organised for a third year. It saw 23%
of staff maintaining an active lifestyle
by walking around 10,000 steps per
day. In addition, the Chamber won the
prestigious Daman Corporate Health
Award for best Health and Wellness
Initiative in 2016.
6.22%
REVENUE GIVEN TO
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
33
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
SUPPORTED
47

HUMAN RESOURCES
55%
EMIRATISATION
200+
EMPLOYEES BENEFITTED FROM
PROGRAMMES
97
TRAINING AND AWARENESS
PROGRAMMES
Investing in employee development
remained a key priority for Dubai
Chamber in 2016, as its Human
Resources Department conducted 97
training and awareness programmes
during the year, benefitting over
200 staff.
Among the organised events was the
Knowledge Camp, which aimed to instill
a culture of reading among employees.
The week-long camp fell in line with
the Chamber’s annual development
plan and strategy to improve employee
teamwork through an innovative and
interactive approach.
The Chamber hired new Emirati
employees, bringing total Emiratisation
to 55% by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the total number of
nationalities working at the Chamber
reached 28.
Dubai Chamber’s global recruitment
system was customised, enabling
the HR department to seamlessly
manage all aspects of the recruitment
process, including sourcing, screening,
selecting, and hiring. As a result, the
department enhanced its operational
efficiency and productivity by using a
single smart system.
WE FOCUSED ON
BOOSTING EMPLOYEES’
SKILL SETS THROUGH
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
AND SOLUTIONS
DRIVING EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

28
NATIONALITIES REPRESENTED
BY STAFF
The Employee Performance
Management system was redesigned to
include strategic growth development
plans set by staff. The system provides
end-to-end talent management in a
single platform, in addition to tools
designed to evaluate performance
against set goals.
Dubai Chamber also implemented the
Oracle Talent Management Cloud that
enabled the HR department to shift
away from administrative tasks and
take on more strategic activities to
support employee development.
49

2016 INITIATIVES
Dubai Chamber introduced several strategic initiatives
in 2016 to strengthen the capabilities of the business
community and foster a culture of excellence, innovation,
sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Stock image
BUILDING A SMART,
INNOVATIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
ECOSYSTEM
51

MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM BUSINESS AWARDS
273
NUMBER OF APPLICANTS TO
AWARD PROGRAMMES
12%
PARTICIPATION FROM
OTHER GCC COUNTRIES
1,400+
APPLICANTS SINCE LAUNCH
OF AWARD PROGRAMMES
The 9th Cycle of the Mohammed Bin
Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business
Award and the 1st Cycle of the
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Business Innovation Award attracted
273 applicants in total.
The assessment phase was completed
in the last quarter of 2016, and the
awards were presented in early 2017
at a prestigious ceremony in Dubai.
The applicants were evaluated for their
organisational performance in areas
such as leadership, strategy, workforce,
talent management and innovation,
among other metrics.
Celebrating the success of organisations
that contribute to sustainable
development, the 9th Cycle of the
MRM Business Award covered seven
categories, namely finance, services,
construction, trade, re-export, transport
logistics, and manufacturing.
Participants from other GCC countries
accounted for 12% of all applicants.
Launched in cooperation with the UAE
Ministry of Economy, the MRM Business
Innovation Award builds a culture
of innovation by helping companies
transform their business models to
meet current and future challenges.
THE 9TH CYCLE OF
THE MRM BUSINESS
AWARD AND THE
1ST CYCLE OF MRM
BUSINESS INNOVATION
AWARD SAW STRONG
PARTICIPATION
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

6
ORGANISED BY
DUBAI CHAMBER
3
ORGANISED BY
DUBAI CHAMBER
3
ORGANISED BY
DUBAI CHAMBER
TRAINING SESSIONS BEST PRACTICES SEMINARS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
As part of the programme, Dubai
Chamber organised 6 training sessions,
3 best practices seminars, 3 roundtable
discussions, and an international
seminar for participants and the local
business community.
Over 1,400 businesses have applied
to the award programmes since
their launch, while more than 120
organisations have been recognised
for their outstanding achievements.
53

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: TEJAR DUBAI
DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL
TEJAR DUBAI
HELPED EMIRATI
ENTREPRENEURS TAKE
THEIR FIRST STEPS INTO
THE BUSINESS WORLD
25
TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS
LAUNCHED TO DATE
9
NEW COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
LAUNCHED IN 2016
AED10mn
PROVIDED IN FUNDING TO
BUSINESSES TO DATE

Tejar Dubai stepped up its efforts to
support new businesses launched by
young Emirati entrepreneurs through
a variety of initiatives in 2016.
The programme received 28 business
ideas over the course of the year,
of which 14 were approved by a panel
of judges.
A total of 56 participants were enrolled
in the programme in 2016 and 9
commercial projects were launched
during the same period. A total of 20
workshops and training sessions were
organised to develop entrepreneurial
and managerial skills, which attracted
around 800 participants.
Since its establishment in 2013, Tejar
Dubai has attracted 220 participants
and launched a total of 25 businesses.
The programme has also facilitated
AED 10 million worth of funding
for commercial projects through
partnerships and agreements with
banks and financial institutions.
Launched by Dubai Chamber, Tejar
Dubai is a programme designed for
Emirati youth to help them establish
their own small-to-medium-sized
businesses. It provides them access
to classroom learning, on-site
training, mentoring, business advice
and investment capital, as well as
networking opportunities with local
and international business leaders.
55

DUBAI STARTUP HUB SMARTPRENEUR COMPETITION
EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS
NEW INITIATIVES
LAUNCHED TO
SUPPORT STARTUPS
AND ENTREPRENEURS
350
ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR DUBAI
SMARTPRENEUR COMPETITION
60
IDEAS SUBMITTED BY UAE
PARTICIPANTS OF DUBAI
SMARTPRENEUR COMPETITION
444
STARTUPS REGISTERED ON
DUBAI STARTUP HUB

Developing Dubai’s entrepreneurial
ecosystem through innovative
programmes and initiatives remained
a top priority for Dubai Chamber
in 2016.
The Chamber launched two new
initiatives to scale up its efforts in this
area, namely the Dubai Smartpreneur
Competition and Dubai Startup Hub.
Organised in collaboration with
Smart Dubai, the Dubai Smartpreneur
Competition gives participants the
opportunity to be part of a mission
to create happiness by embracing
technology innovation, while it also
supports the emirate’s transformation
to a global smart city.
The competition received 350 entries
out of which 60 creative ideas were
submitted by UAE-based participants.
Ten ideas were shortlisted and 3
winners were given cash prizes and
the opportunity to join the Tejar
Dubai entrepreneurship development
programme.
Dubai Startup Hub, a joint initiative
of Dubai Chamber and IBM, was
launched under the umbrella of Smart
Dubai as an online platform to connect
startups, venture capitalists and
technology enthusiasts and facilitate
new partnerships.
The interactive hub, the first of its kind
in the MENA region, is the result of
a unique public-private partnership.
The portal had 444 listed startups,
9 incubators, 112 workspaces and 3
investors registered by the end of 2016.
57

DUBAI BUSINESS WOMEN COUNCIL
SUPPORTING A FAST-GROWING NETWORK
In 2016, the Dubai Business Women
Council (DBWC) saw its network grow
43% year-over-year to 500 members,
while it supported 50 events over the
course of the year.
The council conducted 32 workshops
covering a wide range of business
matters, including customer service,
traditional and digital marketing. The
main objective of the workshops was
to develop the skills of business owners
and SMEs in particular, enabling them
to boost their competitiveness.
Marking International Women’s Day,
DBWC joined hands with the University
of Wollongong to host the Pledge
for Parity Forum in Dubai. The forum
offered an ideal platform to discuss
gender parity and new ideas to create
inclusive work cultures.
In addition, DBWC hosted 3 high-profile
delegations from the European Union,
Germany and Turkey to facilitate and
promote trade, while it also led
its first business women delegation
to Serbia.
DUBAI BUSINESS
WOMEN COUNCIL
STRENGTHENED GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIPS AND
SCALED UP SUPPORT
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
43%
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP
YEAR-ON-YEAR
50
NUMBER OF EVENTS
SUPPORTED
500
NUMBER OF MEMBERS

DUBAI ASSOCIATION CENTRE
ATTRACTING GLOBAL ASSOCIATIONS TO DUBAI
Dubai Association Centre (DAC)
licensed 16 new international
associations in Dubai during 2016,
bringing the total number of global
associations licensed in the emirate
to 32 by year-end.
This figure marked a 100% increase
when compared to the total number
of licensed associations in 2015.
Established by Dubai Chamber,
Dubai Business Events (under the
Department of Tourism and Commerce
Marketing), and Dubai World Trade
Centre, DAC promotes Dubai as a
hub for global associations looking
to expand their footprint in the Middle
East and North Africa.
Key activities included a number
of “Going Global” seminars, which
hosted high-level delegates from
the London-based Association
Network and the American Society
of Association Executives (ASAE).
The events highlighted the benefits
and opportunities associated with
operating in Dubai, as well as the
emirate’s capabilities as a host city
for international congresses.
DUBAI ASSOCIATION
CENTRE PROMOTED
DUBAI AS AN IDEAL
HUB FOR GLOBAL
ASSOCIATIONS
16
NEW LICENCES IN 2016
32
TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
100%
INCREASE IN THE NUMBER
OF GLOBAL ASSOCIATIONS
REGISTERED

DAC participated in the ASAE Great
Ideas Conference in Hong Kong and
held 35 meetings with representatives
of international associations based in
Asia and North America.
Associations licensed by DAC operate
in a wide variety of sectors, including
healthcare, transport, engineering,
advertising, franchising, shipping,
facilities management, construction,
and retail, among others.
61

CENTRE FOR RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
24
NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS
JOINED ENGAGE DUBAI
PROGRAMME
58
SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK
MEMBERS
31
EVENTS ORGANISED
Dubai Chamber’s Centre for
Responsible Business (CRB) organised
31 events in 2016 that focused
on improving corporate social
responsibility and sustainability within
the emirate’s business community.
These events were attended by 2,126
delegates from 691 companies.
Among the high-profile events was
the 2016 Dubai Dialogue Sustainability
Matters Conference. The forum
gathered industry experts and business
leaders from around the world to
discuss how companies can drive
sustainable change through innovative
strategies, solutions, and partnerships.
The Dubai Chamber Sustainability
Network had a total of 58 members by
the end of the year that were assigned
to seven task groups, while it also
hosted 19 events attended by 398
participants.
The Chamber’s ENGAGE Dubai
programme attracted 24 new
corporate members and 5 new
Community Partners. The initiative
brings together businesses and
community organisations with the aim
of facilitating employee engagement
within local communities.
The 6th annual Give Gain Day was
organised by the Centre to promote
a culture of volunteerism. Over
768 volunteers from 26 companies
contributed 1,681 hours to various
community projects that benefitted
1,300 people.
A total of 66 businesses applied for
the Dubai Chamber CSR Label in
2016, which is recognised as a mark of
excellence in CSR activities. In addition,
2,572 hours of advisory services were
provided to 181 companies during the
year, marking a 32% increase over 2015.
THE CENTRE FOR
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
STRENGTHENED
ITS SUSTAINABILITY
AND VOLUNTEERING
EFFORTS
PROMOTING CSR BEST PRACTICES

66
DUBAI CHAMBER CSR LABEL
APPLICANTS
2,572
TOTAL HOURS OF ADVISORY
SERVICES PROVIDED
63

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE
427
LISTED ARBITRATORS
214
CASES REGISTERED
170
CASES RESOLVED
THE CENTRE SAW
AN INCREASE IN THE
NUMBER OF RESOLVED
DISPUTES
IMPROVING COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION

The Dubai International Arbitration
Centre (DIAC), an initiative of Dubai
Chamber, registered 214 cases in 2016,
of which 170 were resolved between
January and December, marking a
13% increase compared to the same
period in 2015.
The number of Listed Arbitrators
registered with DIAC grew to 427,
while the number of Listed Experts
reached 88 during the same period.
During the year, 30 meetings and
hearings were held.
DIAC added 22 new Associate Members
in 2016, while the number of members
that joined the centre’s DIAC40/Young
Practitioners Group reached 256.
The Centre organised and took part
in 23 events, including 5 international
conventions, and 18 local events. Key
events included the opening of DIAC’s
office in Dubai International Financial
Centre (DIFC), and the signing of an
MoU to promote mutual co-operation
with DIFC on enforcing DIAC awards.
Events organised in Dubai included the
Trends and Practices in Construction
Disputes Resolutions conference and
an open dialogue session covering the
evolution of arbitration in the Arab
world as part of Dubai Arbitration
Week. In addition, the DIAC 40 Young
Practitioners Group hosted a series
of workshops.
DIAC participated in the Qatar
Chamber Conference and the MENA
Young Arbitrators Conference, which
featured thought-provoking sessions
covering a wide variety of timely issues
impacting arbitration in the region.
In addition, the Centre organised
business lunches in Shanghai and Seoul,
as well as meetings in Washington DC
attended by the Centre’s executive
committee. The Centre also hosted
delegates from the International
Dispute Resolution Institute, Bahrain
Chamber of Commerce Industry, and
Shandong Province.
23
LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
EVENTS ATTENDED/ORGANISED
65

UNIVERSITY OF DUBAI
RAISING STANDARDS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
An initiative of Dubai Chamber, the
University of Dubai (UD) strengthened
its reputation as a leading educational
centre with the opening of its new
state-of-the-art campus in Dubai
Academic City.
The launch was a major step towards
the advancement of the university and
higher education in Dubai.
The university established the Faculty
of Engineering and Information
Technology, and adopted a five-year
strategic plan to support its mission
to become one of the best universities
in the Arab world.
A scholarship programme for
outstanding students was launched
at UD, while the university hosted a
successful job fair that welcomed over
1,500 students and young professionals.
UD Alumni Association’s second
Annual Charity Gala Sohour raised
AED 400,000 to support students
facing financial difficulties, and the 7th
Annual Homecoming welcomed over
300 UD alumni.
By the end of 2016, the total number of
students enrolled at UD reached 660,
including 256 Emiratis, and 32 doctoral
students in Business Administration.
THE UNIVERSITY
OF DUBAI MARKED
A NUMBER OF
MILESTONES AND SET
NEW TARGETS IN 2016
660
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS
ENROLLED
256
EMIRATI STUDENTS ENROLLED
32
PHD STUDENTS ENROLLED
(BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)

DUBAI CHAMBER
PHOTO GALLERY 2016
A visual overview of the various activities and
initiatives undertaken by Dubai Chamber during
2016, as well as snapshots of visits by international
dignitaries and delegations.

FOSTERING GLOBAL
PARTNERSHIPS,
STRENGTHENING
TRADE TIES
69

DUBAI CHAMBER PHOTO GALLERY 2016
Dubai Chamber delegation meets
Kenyan President HE Uhuru Kenyatta
during Kenya trade mission
Dubai Chamber in cooperation with Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and
Thomson Reuters organised the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit
4th Islamic Economy Award ceremony
During the visit of Argentina’s Vice President, HE Gabriela Michetti
Dubai Chamber wins Best Result in Customer Satisfaction and Innovative Idea Awards at the Dubai Government Excellence Program

Visit of New Zealand Minister of Trade HE Todd McClay
During the visit of Equatorial Guinea President HE Teodoro Obiang
Nguema Mbasogo
During UAE-Mexico Business Forum attended by HE Enrique Peña
Nieto, President of Mexico
Azerbaijan President HE Ilham Aliyer received Dubai Chamber's
Chairman in Baku
HE Troels Lund Poulsen, Danish Minister of Business and Growth,
at Dubai-Denmark Maritime Symposium
Minister in the office of Prime Minister of Malta, and Minister of
Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy,
during their visit to Dubai Chamber
71

HE Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor, City of Rotterdam at the Dubai-
Rotterdam Business Forum
Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Innovation Sport,
HE Philippe Muyters and his delegation at a business meeting
at Dubai Chamber
During the visit of Greece Minister of Tourism, HE Elena Kountoura
Dubai Chamber organised the Diplomatic Circle Dinner for
ambassadors and members of Arab and international diplomatic
corps in the UAE
Dubai Chamber in cooperation with Hamburg Chamber
of Commerce organised 5th Dubai-Hamburg Business
Forum in Dubai
UAE-Slovenia seminar, attended by UAE Minister of Economy
HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri and Slovenian Minister of
Development and Technology, HE Zdravko Pocivalsek

Dubai Chamber organised the inaugural Global Business Forum on Latin America under the theme 'Shifting Synergies,' attended by heads
of state, ministers, executives and international experts (Top right: former president of Mexico Vicente Fox)
Dubai Chamber organised the first edition of the Commonwealth of Independent States Global Business Forum under the theme ‘Ancient
Routes - New Opportunities’
Dubai Chamber, in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, hosted the 10th World Retail Congress in Dubai for the first time
73

Dubai Chamber and other business entities signed MoUs with Dubai Airport Freezone Authority during the launch of 'The Big Conversation'
initiative
HE Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, officially opened a
new representative office in Nairobi, Kenya
Dubai Chamber signs two MoUs with Hungarian Chamber of
Commerce and Hungarian National Trading House
Emirates Post Group issued commemorative stamps marking
Dubai Chamber’s 50th anniversary
MoU signing with Dubai Customs to implement 'Risk Engine' at
Dubai Chamber

HE Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, won CEO
Middle East's International Achievement Award for his contribution
to expansion of Dubai businesses into international markets
Dubai Chamber participated in Dubai Week in China and
announced its opening of new representative office in Shanghai
Dubai Chamber presented CSR label to 21 companies HE Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, at the opening of
the Chamber's new representative office in Maputo, Mozambique
Going Global: Creating a Common Language seminar by Dubai
Association Centre was attended by American Society of
Association Executives members
HE Hamad Buamim during Hamburg Summit 2016 that highlighted
impact of China’s economic transformation on global trade
75

During Dubai Chamber’s celebration to mark 45th UAE National Day
Dubai Chamber presented gifts to dhow sailors to mark Zayed
Humanitarian Work Day
Dubai Chamber coordinated a record 285 bilateral meetings
between EU and Dubai-based businesses on the sidelines of
a European delegation visit
During the launch of Dubai Startup Hub in cooperation with IBM
Dubai Chamber hosted of the 20th sessions of Dubai International
Holy Quran Award
Dubai Chamber joined “My Family Reads” initiative launched by
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Industry
PO Box 1457, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone +971 4 2280 000
Facsimile +971 4 2211 646
www.dubaichamber.com
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Dubai Chamber - Annual Report 2016

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Dubai Chamber - Annual Report 2016