The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has concluded a high-level trade mission to Georgia and Armenia, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. As part of the mission\u2019s agenda, the Chamber hosted a business forum in Yerevan titled \u201cDoing Business with Armenia\u201d highlighting Dubai\u2019s growing interest in Armenia\u2019s evolving business landscape and its potential as a gateway to Eurasian markets.<\/p>\n
The event, which brought together leading companies, government officials, and entrepreneurs, was described as \u201ca strong beginning for deeper commercial collaboration\u201d by Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, in an interview with NEWS.am.<\/p>\n
Robust Participation as a Positive Indicator<\/p>\n
The trade mission drew strong participation from both sides, signaling a renewed momentum in Armenia-Dubai business relations. According to Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, the engagement exceeded expectations from the very first day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were warmly received by our stakeholders here in Armenia,\u201d Al Shamsi said. \u201cThe B2B meetings have been highly productive, and the numbers I\u2019ve seen from businesses attending the meetings are promising. We\u2019re not just focused on this event itself, but on what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strengthening Bilateral Trade<\/p>\n
Al Shamsi noted that Dubai Chambers views Armenia as a strategic partner in the region and sees potential to balance current trade flows.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe usually say there is a trade imbalance in favor of Armenia. We would like to see stronger trade inflows in both directions,\u201d he explained. \u201cThis mission is an opportunity for us to better understand Armenia\u2019s business environment, explore what it offers, and identify sectors where collaboration can flourish.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the visit, the Dubai delegation met with senior officials from the Ministry of Economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Armenia, and other stakeholders to discuss joint initiatives aimed at expanding commercial cooperation and investment.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, the focus is on creating shared goals between us, so we can achieve them while also exploring ways to support both the business communities in Armenia and Dubai.\u201d<\/p>\n
Diverse Delegation and Global Reach<\/p>\n
The Dubai Chambers delegation comprised representatives from 16 companies across nine sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and printing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a study mission,\u201d Al Shamsi explained. \u201cThe participating companies will return to Dubai with valuable insights and potential leads. But our engagement doesn\u2019t end here. We have an expansion unit that focuses on connecting our business community to different markets year-round through our initiatives and offices.\u201d<\/p>\n
He highlighted the Dubai Global Initiative, through which Dubai Chambers aims to establish 50 international trade offices by 2030. Currently, 37 offices operate globally-from Eastern China to South America-serving as platforms for Dubai-based companies to expand abroad and for foreign investors to enter Dubai\u2019s market.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we don\u2019t stop there. As a chamber, we also help businesses understand our ecosystem and support their growth into different markets, starting with Dubai. It\u2019s a win-win situation for all the markets involved,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Key Sectors: ICT, Energy, and Startups<\/p>\n
Al Shamsi highlighted several sectors with strong potential for investment, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and ICT, particularly focusing on startups.<\/p>\n
\u201cArmenia has a vibrant startup ecosystem, and we are keen to help these emerging businesses take advantage of Dubai\u2019s global platforms to grow,\u201d he said, noting the importance of connecting local startups with international opportunities.<\/p>\n
He pointed to the recent Expand North Star event in Dubai, which he described as \u201cthe world\u2019s largest tech startup gathering.\u201d The event brought together 2,000 startups from 180 countries, with 1,200 investors managing over $1.1 trillion in assets, offering a significant opportunity for Armenian businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a real opportunity for Armenian startups to connect with global investors and accelerate their growth through Dubai,\u201d Al Shamsi remarked, emphasizing the potential for Armenian companies to expand their reach globally.<\/p>\n
Currently, over 500 Armenian companies are active members of Dubai Chambers, representing a 38 percent increase in the first half of 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen 79 new Armenian companies join this year alone,\u201d he noted, expressing optimism that these numbers will continue to rise, as more businesses explore the benefits of doing business in Dubai.<\/p>\n
Optimism for 2025 and Growing Connectivity<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Al Shamsi expressed optimism for sustained growth in bilateral trade volumes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen a 76 percent year-on-year increase from 2023 to 2024,\u201d he said. \u201cWe expect another significant rise in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pointed to direct daily flights between Dubai and Yerevan, operated by Fly Dubai, as a key enabler of business expansion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is really important because, in order for businessmen and women to understand both markets, there must be a direct connection. Proximity plays a big role in this. As Dubai Chambers, we would encourage more business delegations from Armenia to join us in Dubai.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dubai\u2019s Strategic Advantages<\/p>\n
Discussing the appeal of Dubai as a business hub, Al Shamsi emphasized the emirate\u2019s world-class infrastructure, financial ecosystem, and global reach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are well connected to the African continent through our partners, DP World and Emirates Airline. DP World manages and operates over 90 ports worldwide, and their reach doesn\u2019t stop there-they\u2019ve expanded into last-mile delivery. This means that products from Dubai can be transported to various locations. In Africa specifically, DP World operates over 20 ports, so while you’re dealing with a single point of contact in the city, your product can reach numerous markets across many nations. This makes Dubai a highly promising hub for global trade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Al Shamsi also underscored the availability of capital and skilled talent in Dubai.<\/p>\n
\u201cDubai has attracted significant capital in recent years, and this capital is constantly looking for new opportunities and investments. Armenian businesses can certainly take advantage of the financing available in the city. Additionally, Dubai is renowned for being one of the leading global hubs for talent. If Armenian businesses are looking for skilled professionals, they will undoubtedly find the talent they need in Dubai.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regional Trade Routes and Global Opportunities<\/p>\n
Al Shamsi said that global shifts in logistics and trade routes are creating new opportunities for collaboration between Dubai and Armenia. The UAE has opened many channels to facilitate trade, particularly through its CEPA agreements, which have been signed with 27 countries, 13 of which are already in effect. According to Al Shamsi, these agreements align perfectly with the logistical capabilities of Dubai, enhancing the city\u2019s position as a global trade hub.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe aim to assist companies in leveraging these trade routes and benefiting from agreements with different markets,\u201d he said. The impact has been clear, with a noticeable increase in bilateral trade between Dubai and countries covered by these agreements. Al Shamsi stressed the importance for Armenian businesses to tap into these opportunities: \u201cIf others are benefiting from these agreements, why not Armenian businesses as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
Armenia\u2019s Strategic Role in the Eurasian Market<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re blessed with your geographical location,\u201d Al Shamsi said, highlighting Armenia\u2019s geostrategic position.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s essential for us to understand these investment opportunities and bring them back to our business community to share these potential prospects,” Al Shamsi explained.<\/p>\n
The focus remains on creating win-win situations for all parties involved. “We look at these opportunities as mutually beneficial, and we hope to see more of them coming our way, so we can continue to share them with our businesses.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has concluded a high-level trade mission to Georgia and Armenia, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. As part of the mission\u2019s agenda, the Chamber hosted a business forum in Yerevan titled \u201cDoing Business with Armenia\u201d highlighting Dubai\u2019s growing interest in Armenia\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n