SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched a new “Member Privileges” initiative on Friday, giving businesses wider access to digital, logistics, insurance, AI and professional development services through a series of partnerships with industry leaders.
As part of the launch ceremony, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed Memoranda of Understanding with five strategic partners: e&, DHL Express, Microsoft, Project Management Institute, and Dubai Insurance.
Under the initiative, Abu Dhabi Chamber members will gain access to benefits and services that help small and medium-sized enterprises improve competitiveness, expand into new markets, and build stronger business continuity plans.
Strategic partners say that the "Member Privileges" initiative is expected to accelerate innovation, skills development, digital transformation, and growth across Abu Dhabi's broader business ecosystem.
Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, told Aletihad that the UAE continues to set “a global benchmark for resilience and business continuity,” driven by strong leadership and a clear national vision focused on digital infrastructure and capability building.
He described the partnership with the Abu Dhabi Chamber as an important step in helping businesses “translate ambition into real, measurable advantage” through greater access to secure and scalable technologies.
“By expanding access to secure, scalable technologies, we are supporting SMEs in strengthening their competitiveness, accelerating growth, and building long-term digital resilience,” he added.
Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Managing Director of DHL Express UAE, told Aletihad that SMEs serve as “a key driver of sustainable economic growth,” noting that the collaboration aims to equip businesses with stronger global connectivity, logistics capabilities, and international trade expertise.
He added that the collaboration with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to support SMEs through stronger logistics capabilities, global connectivity, and trade expertise, helping businesses “confidently expand beyond borders and unlock new international growth opportunities.”
Hani Alshazly, the Managing Director for the MENA region at the Project Management Institute (PMI), explained that the newly signed agreement creates pathways for more than 38,000 affiliated members to access PMI certifications in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and project management.
He added that the collaboration goes beyond training by focusing on internationally recognised certifications that ensure Chamber members are professionally accredited through PMI.
“That by itself will set higher standards, that will elevate project success, will ensure that momentum that we can build,” he told Aletihad.
He explained that stronger standardisation and certification frameworks, like PMI’s PMP certification, can help businesses improve continuity, reduce risks, and maintain long-term success.
“How can we continue having that success? How can we reduce the risk that we have?” he said, stressing that “high standardisation through certification is that big element.”
Abdellatif Abuqurah, CEO of Dubai Insurance, described the agreement as “a big milestone” for both organisations and the wider insurance sector in the UAE.
He told Aletihad that the partnership aims to provide Chamber members and registered companies with “full-fledged services for all types and classes of insurance,” including mandatory and optional coverage solutions tailored specifically for Abu Dhabi Chamber members.
Abuqurah noted that the initiative will allow businesses to access comprehensive insurance solutions through a single platform while benefiting from competitive pricing designed to support SMEs and new investments.
He stressed that insurance plays an important role in protecting businesses, human capital, and financial investments against uncertainty as companies continue to grow.
“Once you have this type of risk being covered and taken on by the insurance company, then obviously there is a peace of mind for those people to transact business in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
He added that the partnership ultimately aims to strengthen confidence within Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem by helping companies operate with greater stability, protection, and long-term security.