Deepens Commerce and Financial Links with the European Union through Dubai Chambers' Initiatives
Dubai held a high-level roundtable with EU officials on Wednesday to bolster trade and investment ties between Dubai and the European Union. The meeting, led by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, was attended by top UAE authorities, including Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
Representatives from both the public and private sectors were in attendance, discussing strategies for collaboration in sectors relevant to economic diversification. Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed the EU's significance as the UAE's second-largest trading partner, emphasizing the need to establish robust platforms for private-sector engagement.
Al Mansoori reaffirmed Dubai's dedication to supporting European businesses and positioning the city as a gateway to wider markets. The total value of Dubai's investments in EU countries between 2020 and 2024 stood at AED 9.5 billion, leading to the creation of 8,000 jobs in European markets. There was also an increase of 106% in investment value from EU nations last year, with 380 FDI projects attracted to Dubai.
Trade between Dubai and EU countries reached AED 206 billion in non-oil transactions in 2024, marking an 8% annual increase. Membership of EU firms in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce saw a year-over-year growth of 27%, with 4,693 new European companies joining in 2024 alone.
The roundtable underscores Dubai's expanding role as a vital hub for European investors pursuing long-term strategic partnerships. The event took place amid ongoing negotiations for a potential EU-UAE free trade agreement, which could be the EU's first comprehensive trade deal in the Gulf region. This initiative aims to lower barriers to trade, bolster services and digital trade, and boost trade in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Sources:[1] European Commission. (n.d.). EU-UAE free trade agreement to boost trade and investment. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4355[2] Emirates News Agency. (n.d.). Dubai Chamber of Commerce sees surge in European business membership. Retrieved from https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302808765[3] Al-Muslim, Y. (2022, June 24). EU's UAE trade talks could pivot strategy in Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/business/2022/6/24/eus-uae-trade-talks-could-pivot-strategy-in-middle-east[4] Al-Saadi, F. (2023, April 20). Dubai's outbound investments into EU markets. Emirates News Agency. Retrieved from https://wam.ae/en/details/1395302826198[5] Al-Shamsi, S. M. (2025, April 25). Enhancing economic ties between the EU and the UAE. Retrieved from https://www.thearabweekly.com/economy/enhancing-economic-ties-between-eu-and-uae
- The total value of Dubai's investments in EU countries between 2020 and 2024 stood at AED 9.5 billion, leading to the creation of 8,000 jobs in European markets.
- There was also an increase of 106% in investment value from EU nations last year, with 380 FDI projects attracted to Dubai.
- Trade between Dubai and EU countries reached AED 206 billion in non-oil transactions in 2024, marking an 8% annual increase.
- Membership of EU firms in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce saw a year-over-year growth of 27%, with 4,693 new European companies joining in 2024 alone.
