Dubai Chamber convenes 64 business groups to boost private sector resilience
Dubai Chamber convened 64 business groups at its second quarterly 2026 forum to boost private sector resilience, ease trade flows and strengthen public‑private collaboration
Dubai Chamber brought together 64 business groups and councils for its second quarterly meeting of 2026, focusing on strengthening the private sector’s resilience amid shifting regional and global conditions. The forum reviewed key initiatives designed to raise sector readiness, support business continuity and ensure the smooth flow of trade and investment across the emirate. Representatives heard presentations from government agencies and discussed priorities that will guide the chamber’s work in the months ahead.
Attendance and agenda of the second quarterly meeting
The meeting convened leaders from 64 business groups and councils operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers to assess economic priorities for 2026. Organisers laid out an agenda that combined status updates on ongoing initiatives with roundtable discussions on emerging challenges. Participants evaluated how to accelerate implementation of measures supporting commerce, logistics and investment continuity.
Dubai Chamber highlights readiness and continuity initiatives
Dubai Chamber outlined a package of initiatives aimed at lifting readiness across priority sectors and ensuring continuity of operations for private businesses. Presentations emphasised measures to reduce transactional friction, enhance supply‑chain visibility and improve the regulatory environment for investors. The chamber said these efforts are part of a strategic drive to broaden the private sector’s role in strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness.
Government agencies present trade facilitation and regulatory support
Senior representatives from Dubai Customs, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), and Dubai Municipality participated in a broad panel discussion. Each agency set out practical steps they are taking to streamline clearances, licensing and public services critical to commerce. The session underlined coordinated government action to reduce bureaucracy and support seamless cross‑border trade.
Discussion of regional and global headwinds affecting business
Delegates examined the economic impact of recent regional and international developments and identified operational pain points for companies. Conversations focused on contingency planning, risk mitigation and diversifying market access to preserve competitiveness. Business leaders emphasised the need for adaptive policies that enable firms to respond quickly to supply‑chain disruptions and shifting demand.
Role of business groups in shaping regulatory and operational frameworks
The chamber reiterated that business groups and councils play a central role in refining regulatory frameworks and improving operational processes. Dubai Chamber encouraged group representatives to feed sector insights into policymaking, helping tailor rules and procedures to practical business needs. Deputy Head of Business Support at Dubai Chambers, Maha Al Qarqawi, remarked that these groups are pivotal in strengthening investment attractiveness and forging stronger commercial links across sectors.
Priorities set for collaboration and implementation
Participants agreed on a set of near‑term priorities to be advanced through joint public‑private working streams, including enhanced information sharing and pilot projects to test streamlined procedures. The chamber will facilitate targeted working groups to translate forum recommendations into operational changes. Emphasis was placed on measurable outcomes that improve ease of doing business and reinforce Dubai’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.
The forum concluded with a commitment to sustain the momentum of collaboration between government entities and private sector groups, with follow‑up meetings and progress reports scheduled across the year. Stakeholders left the session with concrete action points aimed at bolstering business continuity, accelerating trade facilitation and expanding opportunities for economic growth in Dubai.