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.
Motorists in Abu Dhabi looking to clear those lingering traffic black points now have a convenient new option, thanks to an initiative by Abu Dhabi Police.
A dedicated pop-up service has been set up at Mushrif Mall, allowing drivers to review and reduce black points on their licences without the hassle of visiting a traffic department office.
When and where
The service is available:
April 20 to May 20
Daily from 4pm to 10pm
First-floor police platform at Mushrif Mall
What drivers can do
Visitors can:
Review their traffic records and black points
Learn how points are calculated
Get guidance on reducing points
Explore options like traffic awareness courses (which can remove up to 8 points annually)
Receive advice on licence reinstatement if suspended
Focus on safe driving
The initiative aims to make the black-points system more educational rather than punitive, encouraging better driving habits instead of simply penalising motorists.
Drivers nearing the 24-point threshold, which can lead to licence suspension, are especially encouraged to take advantage of the service.
By offering easy access to support and information, authorities hope to promote road safety, awareness, and responsible driving across Abu Dhabi.
Dubai is planning a major upgrade to its transport network with a proposed 55-kilometre Airport Express Metro Line connecting Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
According to reports, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has invited consultants to bid for a contract to study and design the new line, marking a significant step toward improving airport connectivity across the emirate.
Direct airport-to-airport link
The proposed Airport Express Line would run from the existing Red Line station at DXB, pass through key areas such as Al Jaddaf and Al Khail Road, and include a new station at Jumeirah Village Circle before reaching DWC in Jebel Ali.
Total length: 55km
Planned stations: 5 major stops
Two additional branch lines connecting to Business Bay and other key districts
Airport-style facilities on the metro
Passengers could benefit from enhanced travel features, including:
Remote airline check-in
Baggage drop-off
Security screening before reaching the airport
The aim is to create a seamless airport journey, reducing congestion and wait times at terminals.
Part of bigger transport plan
The project aligns with Dubai’s long-term expansion of the Dubai Metro, which is expected to grow to:
64 stations by 2030
140 stations by 2040
It also complements the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line, set for completion by 2029, improving connectivity across key residential and business hubs.
Dubai plans to gradually shift operations to DWC starting from 2032, with full expansion expected by around 2057.
Unlike traditional metro extensions, the Airport Express Line is designed as a direct link between two major aviation hubs, while also serving residential and commercial districts along the route.
If completed, it could significantly improve travel efficiency, connectivity, and passenger experience across Dubai.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has urged consumers to stop using certain drinking glasses sold under the Flying Tiger brand after tests revealed potential health risks.
Affected products
The warning applies to 220ml glass cups sold during 2024 and 2025, with the following product numbers:
3057450
3060031
3052986
3062993
3055350
3053912
Health risks
According to authorities, laboratory testing found elevated levels of lead and cadmium in the external print on the cups, substances that may pose risks with prolonged exposure.
Consumers are being advised to immediately discontinue use of the affected products and dispose of them safely.
The ministry said the move is part of its ongoing efforts to monitor markets across the UAE and ensure that all products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.