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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.

Announcements

Dubai Chambers launches one-stop digital platform to help businesses start, grow and expand

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Starting and growing a business in Dubai is set to become easier with the launch of Business in Dubai, a new digital platform by Dubai Chambers that brings together essential corporate services in one place.

Designed as a single gateway for companies, the platform connects businesses with trusted service providers, helping them access everything from financial solutions to technology, marketing and certification services without having to navigate multiple channels.

The initiative aims to simplify business operations while strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.

What does the platform offer?

The Business in Dubai platform currently provides 65 corporate services through seven accredited partners, offering companies a wide range of support as they establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

The services are grouped into four key categories:

  • Financial services
  • Marketing and business growth services
  • Technology services
  • Testing, inspection and certification services

The current network of partners includes ZENDATA Cybersecurity, FAST Ventures, Mamo, OCTA, SGS Gulf Limited, Vault, and Pemo.

Helping businesses grow

Dubai Chambers said the platform has been designed to save companies time and resources by bringing multiple business services under one digital roof.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating an environment that supports business growth both locally and internationally.

He said the platform will strengthen Dubai’s investment ecosystem by making it easier for companies to access the services they need to scale their operations and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development.

Boost for the digital economy

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the platform will particularly benefit businesses operating in the digital economy by simplifying access to trusted service providers.

He added that the initiative creates a more flexible and efficient business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and companies across different sectors to focus on growth rather than administrative processes.

A single digital gateway

By consolidating key business services onto one platform, Dubai Chambers aims to reduce the time and effort companies spend searching for service providers, allowing them to concentrate on innovation, expansion and day-to-day operations.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its business ecosystem and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

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What the new DIFC investment fund proposals mean for investors

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Dubai’s financial regulator is planning the biggest update to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) investment fund rules in more than a decade.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has launched a public consultation on a wide-ranging package of reforms designed to modernise the DIFC’s investment fund framework, simplify regulations for fund managers and strengthen investor protection.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is the DFSA changing the rules?

The DFSA says the investment fund industry has evolved significantly since the current framework was introduced in 2006.

The proposed reforms aim to:

  • Modernise regulations to reflect today’s investment market.
  • Reduce unnecessary compliance requirements.
  • Make it easier for fund managers to operate.
  • Maintain strong investor protection.
  • Align DIFC regulations with international best practices.

What are the proposed changes?

The consultation includes several key proposals:

More flexible rules for private investment funds

The DFSA plans to replace rigid classifications for specialist private funds with a more flexible framework that can better accommodate modern investment strategies.

Simpler licensing for fund managers

Investment managers may no longer need separate licences for certain activities, such as arranging investments or dealing on behalf of clients, as these would be covered under an existing asset management licence.

Updated rules for master-feeder funds

The regulator also wants to modernise regulations governing “master-feeder” fund structures to reflect current market practices better.

Removal of the external fund manager regime

The DFSA proposes removing the external fund manager framework as more firms are now seeking direct authorisation from the regulator.

More investment opportunities for employees

Employees could be given greater flexibility to invest in private funds managed by their own employers, either directly or through dedicated investment vehicles.

Technical improvements

The consultation also proposes several technical amendments to improve clarity and consistency within the Collective Investment Law.

Could tokenised investment funds become a reality?

The consultation also seeks industry feedback on regulating tokenised investment funds.

Tokenisation uses blockchain technology to represent ownership units digitally, potentially making investment funds more efficient and accessible.

At this stage, the DFSA is only gathering feedback and has not proposed formal regulations.

Will retail investors get access to more investment opportunities?

Another topic under discussion is the possible introduction of a long-term investment fund regime.

If developed in the future, it could allow retail investors to access certain long-term assets—such as infrastructure projects or private market investments- that are currently limited to professional investors.

No regulatory changes have been proposed yet; the regulator is first seeking industry views.

Who can provide feedback?

The consultation is open until September 7, 2026.

The DFSA is inviting comments from:

  • Fund managers
  • Asset managers
  • Fund administrators
  • Legal advisers
  • Auditors
  • Compliance professionals
  • Other participants in the DIFC investment funds industry

The proposals form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for wealth and asset management while ensuring regulations remain modern, proportionate and investor-focused.

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UAE Central Bank fines foreign bank Dh1.82mn over consumer protection breach

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The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a Dh1.82 million financial penalty on a branch of a foreign bank operating in the country for violating consumer protection rules.

The regulator did not identify the bank involved.

Why was the bank fined?

According to the CBUAE, inspections found that the bank failed to issue a liability letter within the mandatory seven-day timeframe, breaching the central bank’s Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards.

The penalty was imposed under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which governs the Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance activities.

What is a liability letter?

A liability letter is issued when a customer wants to transfer an existing loan or other financial obligations to another bank or apply for new financing elsewhere.

Banks are required to provide the document within seven days to ensure customers can switch lenders or complete financing arrangements without unnecessary delays.

CBUAE reinforces consumer protection

The central bank said the enforcement action reflects its commitment to ensuring banks comply with UAE laws and consumer protection regulations.

The regulator added that it will continue to monitor financial institutions to uphold transparency, integrity and high standards across the UAE’s banking sector.

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