Dubai–South Africa trade strengthens as Dubai Chamber reports AED 29.2bn non-oil ties and rising investments
Dubai–South Africa trade strengthens as Dubai Chamber reports AED 29.2bn non-oil trade in 2025, with over AED 1bn South African investment in Dubai and beyond
Dubai Chamber’s business mission to South Africa underscored a marked acceleration in Dubai–South Africa trade and investment ties, with non-oil trade valued at AED 29.2 billion in 2025 and South African direct investment in Dubai exceeding AED 1 billion over the past five years. The mission, which included a Dubai–South Africa business forum in Johannesburg, brought together senior officials and private-sector leaders to pursue new commercial partnerships. Dubai Chamber officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to deepen links with African markets and support UAE companies expanding abroad.
Forum draws 520 participants and senior leaders
The Dubai–South Africa business forum in Johannesburg attracted 520 participants, including government representatives, business executives and industry specialists from both markets. Dubai Chamber’s deputy CEO for international relations, Salem Al Shamsi, delivered the opening remarks and highlighted Dubai’s appeal as a global business hub. Leaders from the South African Chamber of Commerce and the ministry responsible for trade and industry also presented, framing the forum as a platform for practical agreements and follow-up deals.
Investment flows concentrated in tech, pharmaceuticals and food
Officials reported that South African investments in Dubai over the last five years topped AED 1 billion, spread across technology, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and the food sector. Dubai Chamber emphasized these flows reflect investor confidence in Dubai’s regulatory environment and its role as a gateway to regional markets. The diversity of sectors involved points to deeper commercial integration rather than isolated transactions.
Non-oil trade jumps to AED 29.2bn in 2025 after decade of growth
Trade figures presented by Dubai Chamber show non-oil trade between Dubai and South Africa reached AED 29.2 billion in 2025, a rise of more than 265 percent compared with AED 8 billion recorded in 2016. Chamber officials attributed the surge to expanded logistics links, increased shipments of processed goods and growing demand for services. The figures signal that Dubai–South Africa trade has shifted from modest bilateral flows to a more strategic commercial relationship.
674 business-to-business meetings advance partnerships
During the mission, Dubai Chamber organized 674 bilateral meetings in Cape Town and Johannesburg to connect Dubai firms with South African counterparts. Delegates from 24 Dubai-based companies took part, representing construction, building materials, engineering, electronics, environmental solutions, FMCG, food and beverages, healthcare, ICT and manufacturing. Participants described the sessions as substantive, with several companies reporting tangible follow-up negotiations and memoranda of understanding under consideration.
Membership growth shows deeper corporate ties with Dubai
Membership data presented at the forum showed 45 new South African companies joined Dubai Chamber in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total number of active South African-registered members to 873 at the end of that quarter. Chamber leaders said the membership growth reflects rising commercial interest and the establishment of more permanent business presences in Dubai. Increased membership also provides a structured channel for ongoing engagement and support services for inbound investors.
Dubai Chamber’s Africa strategy expands with 13th mission since 2023
The South Africa mission represented the 13th stop in Dubai Chamber’s commercial delegation series to African markets since 2023, part of its “New Horizons for External Expansion” initiative. The chamber described the program as an integrated strategy to support UAE exporters, secure cross-border investment and build long-term partnerships across the continent. Officials signaled further missions and sector-specific delegations are planned as part of a sustained push to capitalise on Africa’s rising consumption and infrastructure needs.
The forum closed with commitments to sustain momentum through targeted working groups, further matchmaking and continued regulatory dialogue to ease trade and investment flows. Several attendees said they expected concrete project announcements in the coming months as negotiations that began during the mission move to contract stage.
Dubai–South Africa trade and investment ties now sit at a pivotal point, with robust growth statistics, stronger corporate linkages and a clear roadmap for deeper cooperation that both sides say will be pursued through additional missions and bilateral engagement.
