Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi Chamber unveiled its 2025-2027 strategic roadmap during Abu Dhabi Business Week, outlining a vision to strengthen its role as a growth driver for the private sector and a key advocate for businesses in the emirate.
Speaking at the event, Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, highlighted the forum's role in fostering partnerships and innovation and boosting Abu Dhabi's position as a global business hub.
"This summit is not merely a meeting. It is a platform to forge partnerships, inspire innovation, and unlock the vast potential of Abu Dhabi's dynamic business ecosystem. Abu Dhabi's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa establishes it as a critical hub in global trade, with world-class logistics, infrastructure, and connectivity," he said.
Al Dhaheri pointed to the success of the "Falcon Economy," Abu Dhabi's approach to economic diversification and sustainable development, which accounted for over 68% of the UAE's GDP in 2023. Of this, the non-oil sector contributed 55%, reflecting the nation's progress in establishing a knowledge-based economy.
He outlined the chamber's 2025-2027 strategic roadmap as a means to continue this momentum, positioning it as a key driver of growth and a stronger advocate for private sector interests.
Al Dhaheri explained that the roadmap focuses on five core pillars - policy advocacy, market intelligence, ecosystem building, innovation, and market expansion.
Policy advocacy seeks to enhance the chamber's influence in shaping economic strategies, while market intelligence is geared towards providing the private sector with valuable insights to inform decision-making. Ecosystem building aims to support local businesses by integrating them into global value chains, and innovation initiatives will help companies navigate the challenges of digital transformation and green transitions. Finally, market expansion efforts are directed at creating new export opportunities and broadening access to international markets.
"By leveraging advanced data intelligence and fostering a robust public-private partnership, we are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in investment and innovation. As we look to the future of the 'Falcon Economy', which will guide our journey towards a sustainable, diversified economy driven by knowledge, technology, and entrepreneurship, the Abu Dhabi Chamber remains steadfast in its role as a catalyst for growth, enhancing policy frameworks, fostering collaboration, and equipping businesses with the tools to succeed," he added.
On the sidelines of the event, Noor Al Tamimi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Board of Directors, elaborated on the chamber's role in supporting the private sector and its alignment with the goals of Abu Dhabi Business Week.
"Abu Dhabi Chamber is the main advocate for the private sector. We are the voice of the private sector, bridging the gap between the government and businesses. We ensure that new laws, regulations, and government initiatives are communicated clearly to the private sector," Al Tamimi added.
She also reflected on the evolution of Abu Dhabi's business landscape over the past decade, emphasising that the private sector must continue boosting its international status by leveraging the right mindsets, talent, opportunities, and tools. The chamber, Al Tamimi noted, is instrumental in facilitating this transformation.
"The chamber has many initiatives to support SMEs in their growth. The networking opportunities we provide are critical for SMEs to succeed," she said.
Al Tamimi added that the chamber also hosts high-level delegations from around the world, giving local businesses access to fresh ideas and partnerships with global companies.
