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Over 27,800 new member companies join Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2021
Over 27,800 new member companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2021, a 66.8 per cent increase compared to 2020. This brings the organisation’s total membership to over 287,000.
In 2021, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce saw the return on investment of its digital transformation over the years. The Chamber processed more than 704,400 e-transactions during the year. It also succeeded in fully digitising its core services by 100 per cent, which enabled it to serve its members and customers remotely and efficiently.
The Chamber also achieved its goal of becoming 100 per cent paperless by the end of 2021, representing an important milestone in its digital transformation mission.
The value of exports and re-exports of Dubai Chamber of Commerce members amounted to Dh227 billion, and a total of 669,922 certificates of origin were issued by the organisation last year. Meanwhile, 4,495 ATA Carnets worth Dh4.5 billion were issued and received by the Chamber. The ATA Carnet system is managed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Dubai Customs, facilitating the temporary entry of imports to Dubai.
Dubai Chamber reviewed 52 draft local and federal laws and ministerial decisions during 2021 to ensure a favourable business environment. The organisation’s Legal Services department received 200 mediation cases, of which 175 were virtual mediation cases, while 66 cases were settled amicably.
Dubai Chamber continued exploring business opportunities in promising markets worldwide as it received 2,983 visiting delegations and met with over 6,800 delegates from 73 countries in 2021. A total of 85 business networking events were organised, attended by 15,000 businesspeople.
The Chamber’s 11 representative offices in Africa, Eurasia and Latin America held 2,398 virtual meetings with more than 4,052 investors interested in expanding its business network and activities to Dubai.
The Chamber’s external offices organised 39 virtual events, attended by 4,280 participants from around the world, and participated in 347 other events to promote Dubai as a global business hub, identify business opportunities, and build relationships with key stakeholders in promising markets.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chambers, described 2021 as “an exceptional year for the business community in Dubai”.
He noted that the government’s effective measures and proactive policies put the emirate on a steady path of economic growth, with the biggest uptick in business activity felt within the tourism, hospitality, trade and retail sectors.
As Ramadan 2026 begins in the UAE, Dubai residents should prepare for changes to public parking hours, Dubai Metro timings, Dubai Tram operations, and public transport schedules across the city.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially confirmed revised timings to reflect shorter working hours and shifting traffic patterns during the holy month.
Here’s everything residents need to know.
Public parking timings
Public parking in Dubai will follow a split schedule from Monday to Saturday:
- 8am to 6pm (paid parking)
- 8pm to 12am (midnight) (paid parking)
- 2am to 8am remains free
- Sundays remain free across all zones
Multi-storey parking facilities will continue to operate 24/7.
Residents using Parkonic zones should check signage in their area, as some locations may operate under different schedules.
Metro timings
The Dubai Metro (Red Line and Green Line) will run as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am
- Friday: 5am to 1am (next day)
- Saturday: 5am to 12am
- Sunday: 8am to 12am
The extended Friday service supports increased late-night travel during Ramadan evenings.
Tram timings
Dubai Tram will operate:
- Monday to Saturday: 6am to 1am (next day)
- Sunday: 9am to 1am (next day)
Bus and marine transport updates
For updated Dubai bus timings during Ramadan, commuters are advised to check the S’hail app for live schedules.
Marine transport schedules are available on the official RTA website.
Customer Happiness Centres working hours
Smart Customer Happiness Centres in:
- Umm Ramool
- Deira
- Al Barsha
- Al Kifaf
- RTA Head Office
will continue operating 24/7.
With Ramadan traffic patterns typically shifting, especially in the hour before Iftar, residents are encouraged to plan journeys and allow extra travel time.
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