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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.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six situations in which employees may not receive compensation for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.
The rules are part of the country’s occupational health and safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace accidents while ensuring employers and employees follow safety standards.
When compensation can be denied
According to MoHRE, employees may lose their right to compensation if they:
- Intentionally injure themselves.
- Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.
- Deliberately ignore clearly displayed workplace safety instructions.
- Cause the injury through intentional misconduct.
- Refuse, without a valid reason, to undergo a medical examination or follow prescribed treatment.
- Are found by authorities to have intentionally violated workplace safety regulations.
Employer responsibilities
Under UAE labour laws, employers must provide a safe workplace by:
- Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge.
- Training employees on workplace safety.
- Conducting health checks where required.
- Keeping records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- Reporting workplace accidents to the relevant medical and police authorities.
Employers are also required to investigate workplace incidents and maintain health records for employees exposed to occupational risks.
Compensation rules
Employers must cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
Compensation is calculated based on the employee’s latest basic salary and should be paid within 10 days of the medical report determining the level of disability.
If a workplace injury results in permanent disability or death, compensation is paid according to UAE labour regulations, with the final assessment made by a specialised medical committee.
Importantly, employers cannot terminate an injured employee’s contract until all legal entitlements have been settled.
What counts as a work injury?
A work injury includes accidents that happen while performing job duties, as well as certain accidents during direct travel to or from work. Occupational diseases linked to an employee’s job are also covered under UAE law.
Focus on prevention
MoHRE says the regulations are designed to balance employee protection with personal responsibility. While workers are protected when injuries occur during the course of employment, they are also expected to follow workplace safety rules.
The ministry continues to inspect private-sector companies to ensure compliance, helping create safer and healthier workplaces across the UAE.
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