Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced impressive achievements during the first nine months of 2025. The results reflect the chamber’s active role in enhancing Dubai’s global appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment. Between the first quarter and third quarter of 2025, the Dubai International Chamber attracted 261 companies to Dubai, which is a remarkable 65 percent increase from 158 companies in the same period of 2024.
Among these 261 companies, 44 were multinational companies, showing a steady growth of 10 percent compared to 40 multinational companies in the corresponding period last year. Additionally, the chamber attracted 217 small and medium sized enterprises, up 84 percent from 118 small and medium sized enterprises during the same nine months in 2024.
This article explores the Dubai International Chamber multinational companies success in 2025, the factors behind this achievement, and what this means for Dubai’s future as a global business hub.
The role of Dubai International Chamber in attracting multinational companies
Dubai International Chamber plays a pivotal role in positioning Dubai as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and global business. As one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers, it focuses on attracting international businesses, facilitating trade, and supporting companies looking to expand their reach.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chamber, emphasized the chamber’s commitment: “We remain focused on attracting high value foreign investment to Dubai, expanding the opportunities the emirate offers across key sectors, and reinforcing its pivotal role on the global trade and investment map in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
The chamber acts as a bridge between Dubai based companies and international markets, enabling local businesses to grow globally while showcasing Dubai’s competitive advantages to international investors.
Growth highlights for multinational companies and small and medium sized enterprises
The first nine months of 2025 have been particularly strong for the Dubai International Chamber multinational companies. Two hundred and sixty one companies were attracted in total from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2025, a 65 percent increase from 158 companies in the same period in 2024. Forty four multinational companies were attracted, a 10 percent growth compared to 40 multinational companies last year. Two hundred and seventeen small and medium sized enterprises were attracted, showing an 84 percent increase from 118 small and medium sized enterprises in the same period last year.
This growth is significant as it shows Dubai’s appeal to a broad range of businesses from global multinational giants to agile small and medium sized enterprises, reinforcing the city’s diverse and dynamic business environment.
Strategic global expansion of Dubai International Chamber
Dubai International Chamber continues to strengthen its global footprint as part of the Dubai Global initiative, aiming to establish 50 international representative offices by 2030. These offices serve as crucial platforms for attracting investment, promoting trade, and linking Dubai to global business communities.
In 2025, the chamber expanded its international presence by opening five new representative offices in key cities: Dhaka in Bangladesh, Cape Town in South Africa, Bengaluru in India, Bangkok in Thailand, and Toronto in Canada. These new offices help to promote Dubai as a global business hub and enable the chamber to support Dubai based companies seeking expansion into overseas markets.
The power of Dubai International Chamber’s global network
During the first nine months of 2025, Dubai International Chamber’s international offices organized 376 roundtable meetings. These meetings serve multiple purposes: promoting Dubai as a global business hub, attracting foreign direct investment, and positioning Dubai as a gateway for companies aiming for global expansion.
This global network acts as a strategic platform connecting Dubai with business communities worldwide. It facilitates two way investment flows, unlocks new trade channels, and helps companies in each market tap into Dubai’s opportunities.
The representative offices also provide valuable insights into Dubai’s business environment. They assist international companies interested in establishing a presence in Dubai and expanding their operations to other high potential markets.
Why are multinational companies choosing Dubai
The 10 percent growth in multinational companies attracted by the Dubai International Chamber between the first quarter and third quarter of 2025 is no coincidence. Several factors make Dubai a preferred destination for multinational companies.
Dubai’s geographical position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa makes it an ideal gateway for multinational companies. Its excellent air, sea, and road connectivity allows businesses to easily reach global markets.
Dubai’s regulatory framework promotes ease of doing business. The Dubai International Chamber supports companies by facilitating smooth procedures, advocating for business friendly policies, and offering support services like dispute resolution.
Dubai’s free zones offer 100 percent foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate taxes, and customs duty exemptions. These benefits reduce operational costs and improve profitability.
Dubai boasts world class infrastructure, including transport networks, communication systems, and modern office spaces that support efficient business operations.
Dubai attracts professionals from across the globe, offering companies a rich pool of talent to draw from. Education and training programs ensure a continuous supply of skilled workers.
Economic impact of multinational companies in Dubai
The 44 multinational companies attracted by the Dubai International Chamber contribute significantly to Dubai’s economy.
These companies create thousands of new jobs, offering employment to both Emiratis and expatriates. They also contribute to skills development and knowledge transfer.
Multinational companies bring capital investments that spur infrastructure development and the growth of ancillary sectors such as real estate, logistics, and professional services.
Multinational firms expand Dubai’s trade networks, increasing exports and imports. They introduce new technologies and business practices, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
By attracting companies from diverse sectors, Dubai reduces its reliance on traditional industries and builds a more resilient and varied economy.
Future outlook for Dubai’s position as a global business hub
With the strong performance in 2025, the future looks promising for Dubai’s global business environment.
The Dubai International Chamber is on track to achieve the Dubai Global initiative’s goal of 50 international representative offices by 2030.
The chamber’s growing global network will continue to connect Dubai to 30 priority markets worldwide.
Continued attraction of multinational companies and small and medium sized enterprises will boost economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
Dubai’s reputation as a business friendly and strategically located city will further strengthen.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
While Dubai’s progress is impressive, several challenges remain.
Global economic uncertainty means multinational companies may face risks from global market fluctuations.
Ensuring a continuous supply of skilled workers is crucial to meet talent demand.
Aligning economic growth with environmental goals will be important for sustainability.
However, opportunities such as embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration between multinational companies and local startups, and expanding regional integration promise to drive Dubai’s business landscape forward.
Closing thoughts
Dubai International Chamber’s success in attracting 44 multinational companies between the first quarter and third quarter of 2025, alongside 217 small and medium sized enterprises and a total of 261 companies, highlights Dubai’s growing importance on the world economic stage. The chamber’s strategic role, backed by its expanding global network and business facilitation services, continues to fuel Dubai’s rise as a premier global business hub.
For multinational companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in a dynamic, strategically located, and business friendly environment, Dubai remains an unmatched destination. The Dubai International Chamber stands ready to support these companies and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in trade and investment.
This article is optimized for SEO using the focus keyword Dubai International Chamber multinational companies and provides a comprehensive overview of the chamber’s achievements and Dubai’s economic prospects in 2025.
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