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76.5 per cent Dubai companies registered growth during Expo

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Over 76.5 per cent of companies in Dubai registered growth in their businesses during Expo 2020, while 73.5 per cent built new business relations and entered into new partnerships during Expo, a report commissioned by Dubai Chamber of Commerce indicated.

Around 70.6 per cent of respondents to the survey, conducted as part of the report, said they got benefit from the networking and business matching services provided by the Chamber.

Meanwhile, 47 per cent reported having benefitted from the Global Business Forum series and 47 per cent benefitted from bilateral meetings.

The report titled ‘Business Integration for Growth, Digital Transformation and Global Partnerships’ was developed by the Chamber in collaboration with Oxford Business Group.

In total, Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 98 events during Expo 2020 Dubai, which were attended by more than 25,000 participants from over 130 countries. The Global Business Forums on Africa, Asean and Latin America saw the most participation, as the high-level forums were joined by government and business leaders, who attended in person and virtually.

The 12th edition of the World Chambers Congress and a series of Thematic Business Forums were also hosted by the Chamber, which were attended by chamber and industry leaders. The events identified global challenges and highlighted innovative solutions to drive sustainable economic growth.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce facilitated 1,500 bilateral business meetings between UAE investors and their global counterparts, and received 1,746 visiting delegations from over 60 countries during the mega event, which were joined by 3,350 government and business leaders.

Seven new economic and professional bodies were licenced by the Dubai Association Centre, which was established in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers alongside Dubai International Chamber and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy), the Dubai Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre.

The report reveals that revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Dubai in January 2022 increased to Dh460 ($125) compared to Dh293 ($80) in January 2021, marking an increase of 56.3 per cent and outperforming Milan, the host city for Expo 2015, which recorded RevPAR of 54.5 per cent in 2015.

There were 759 hotels and hotel establishments accounted for in Dubai in January 2022 compared to 711 in January 2021, while guest nights in January were at 3.04 million during the same month this year compared to 2.65 million in January 2021.

Arrivals at Dubai International Airport recorded growth of 12.7 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020, while the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade jumped 27 per cent over 2020 and 11 per cent over 2019, a growth trend largely driven by Expo 2020 Dubai.

Commenting on the report, Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, described Expo 2020 Dubai as a historic milestone for the UAE and Dubai. He noted that the pivotal role that Dubai Chamber of Commerce played in facilitating partnerships between UAE companies and their global counterparts during Expo 2020, and expanding Dubai’s rapidly growing business ecosystem.

“Our goal is to be the best chamber in the world when it comes to driving competitiveness and growth. At Expo 2020 Dubai, we have been able to put this mission and vision into action. Our efforts in supporting the mega-event have helped to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a place to do business”.

“Building on our long-term strategy to embrace digital transformation, we adopted a hybrid format for the Expo 2020 events. Doing so has enabled us to expand our reach and engage with public and private stakeholders from around the world,” he said.

Buamim pointed out that Expo 2020 Dubai is a stepping-stone to a resilient future shaped by innovation, international cooperation, and a more competitive and diversified economy supported by SMEs.

Business

Dubai to be home of world’s first water-backed digital token

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Dubai is making waves in the world of global trade, this time with water. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has teamed up with AQUA-INDEX to launch the world’s first digital token backed by real, drinking-quality water stored in reservoirs around the globe.

This groundbreaking token will allow investors, traders, and even the public to buy, sell, and take delivery of freshwater as a commodity, just like gold or oil. It’s a bold step toward creating a transparent, regulated global market for one of the planet’s most precious resources, water.

As part of the agreement, AQUA-INDEX will tap into DMCC’s global network and advanced infrastructure to bring water trading to the mainstream. The goal? To bring more liquidity, transparency, and innovation to how water is valued and managed around the world.

“Nearly half the world faces water scarcity, but there’s still no mature market for water,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC. “

Yaacov Shirazi, Chairman and Founder of AQUA-INDEX, added, “This is a game-changer. By turning water into a tradable financial asset, we’re enabling better infrastructure, access, and management. It’s a whole new way to fight water scarcity.”

The partnership is part of DMCC’s vision to establish a Water Centre in Dubai, a one-stop hub for water technology companies, commodity traders, and logistics firms. The water-backed token will be a core feature, helping improve water access in stressed regions and offering new tools for investors and governments alike.

Further details on how the token will work, including where it can be traded and how delivery will happen, will be revealed soon.

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Business

Small firm in UAE to get pension fine waivers under new government initiative

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In a move to support small businesses and boost Emiratisation, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has launched a new initiative waiving penalties for delays in employee registration and end-of-service benefit processing.

The initiative will benefit around 1,906 small private companies across the UAE, specifically those with four or fewer Emirati employees on their payroll.

What’s Covered?

The waiver applies to fines incurred between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Any payments outside this window may still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to GPSSA.

This step is part of the broader ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ programme, which aims to streamline processes, reduce red tape, and improve financial stability for small firms, encouraging them to reinvest in their operations and contribute more actively to the UAE’s economy.

Boost for Emiratisation

The authority highlighted that the initiative also reinforces Emiratisation goals, helping firms overcome financial burdens and making it easier for them to attract and retain Emirati talent.

What Businesses Need to Know

  • Eligible companies will be contacted directly by GPSSA.
  • Businesses that do not receive official notification will not be included in the waiver.
  • Firms must still comply with UAE pension laws, which require timely registration and contributions from both employers and employees.

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Real estate

Nakheel awards Dh750 million contracts for major works on Palm Jebel Ali

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Nakheel, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded three major contracts worth over Dh750 million for infrastructure development on Palm Jebel Ali, a landmark waterfront project poised to redefine luxury living in Dubai. The works are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The contracts have been awarded to DBB Contracting LLC, a company with a strong track record on the island. DBB has previously delivered key projects on Palm Jebel Ali, including road construction and public access infrastructure.

A Visionary Mega Development

Palm Jebel Ali is one of Nakheel’s most ambitious projects, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The development supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and serves as a key pillar in the emirate’s expansion westward, marking the rise of a new growth corridor in Jebel Ali.

What’s Included in the Infrastructure Works?

The awarded contracts cover comprehensive infrastructure across Fronds A to G, including:

  • Utility connections
  • Excavation and backfilling
  • Road and pavement construction
  • Power distribution (11kV) and telecom utility works

In the Spine District, the works will include:

  • Major and secondary road development
  • Utility mains and links to fronds
  • Grading and associated infrastructure for DEWA’s power transmission line

A New Era for Waterfront Living

Spanning 13.4 km, Palm Jebel Ali will feature 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand public beach access.

Designed with smart city technologies, sustainable features, and walkable mixed-use neighbourhoods, the island is set to become a world-class destination for residents, tourists, and investors alike, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and seamless mobility solutions.

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