Latest news with #ShamisAlDhaheri
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: What are Certificates of Origin and how Abu Dhabi's 10.3% rise proves a shift from oil dependence
Certificates of Origin certify that goods are produced in a specific country, essential for customs, tariffs, and export compliance/ Image: File The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reported a significant increase in the issuance of Certificates of Origin over the past year. This development highlights the emirate's growing industrial base, increased trade activity, and a steadily advancing economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing dependence on oil exports. Certificates of Origin: Their role and relevance A Certificate of Origin (COO) serves as an official document confirming that the goods in a shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a specific country. These certificates are vital tools in international trade, helping businesses clear customs, determine applicable tariffs, and comply with import regulations in target markets. In Saudi Arabia and across the GCC, a valid COO is often mandatory for both exports and imports. Without it, companies risk facing shipment delays, regulatory penalties, or outright rejection of goods. In this context, chambers of commerce, such as the one in Abu Dhabi, play a central role, acting as accredited bodies authorised to issue these certificates. Growth in COO issuance reflects rising export momentum Between June 2024 and June 2025, the Abu Dhabi Chamber recorded a 10.3 percent increase in the number of COOs issued. This growth signals a wider and more active base of local exporters, as well as heightened economic activity across non-oil sectors. The Chamber attributes this uptick to Abu Dhabi's expanding industrial capacity and its growing reputation as a key regional player in trade and investment. Sectorally, the bulk of these COOs were issued to businesses involved in chemicals, metals, and engineering — all areas that point to a robust and diversified manufacturing ecosystem. Notably, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have shown increased participation in export activities, driven by support mechanisms provided by the Chamber. These include specialised training programs, business matchmaking efforts, and collaboration with regional and international trade entities. The broader export landscape also aligns with these trends. During the first half of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade surged by 34.7 percent. Within that, non-oil exports leapt by 64 percent, re-exports grew by 35 percent, and imports rose by 15 percent. These figures build on the previous year's performance, which also saw strong growth: non-oil trade rose by 9 percent, exports increased by 16 percent, and imports by 3 percent. Strategic implications for Abu Dhabi's economy The increasing number of Certificates of Origin being issued by the Abu Dhabi Chamber is seen by its leadership as a strong indicator of export sector vitality and a reflection of the emirate's deepening integration with global trade networks. Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Chamber, considers this sustained rise as clear proof of the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi-based companies and their growing capacity to enter and thrive in international markets. Al Dhaheri has attributed this momentum not only to market confidence in locally produced goods but also to the Chamber's continued investment in supporting export-ready businesses. He noted that Abu Dhabi companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are increasingly leveraging the Chamber's services, including export training, market access programs, and strategic trade partnerships, to expand their global footprint. He also emphasized that the Chamber is focused on enabling exporters to benefit from customs advantages provided by bilateral and multilateral agreements. With COOs validating the national origin of goods, UAE products are better positioned to benefit from preferential trade terms, giving them a more competitive edge in international markets. According to him, the Chamber views Certificates of Origin as more than just administrative tools; they are gateways to new economic opportunities. He pointed to the Chamber's ongoing efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and to advocate for the private sector as part of a broader strategy to make Abu Dhabi's economy more resilient and globally connected. Al Dhaheri underlined that the current indicators affirm not just the strength of the Chamber's services, but also the private sector's rising contribution to national economic goals. The increase in export activity, particularly among SMEs, is seen as a tangible outcome of the emirate's diversification agenda and its efforts to reduce dependency on oil revenues. Institutional role of the Abu Dhabi Chamber Founded in 1969 by an Emiri decree issued by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established to promote and protect the interests of businesses operating in the emirate. Over the decades, it has evolved into a central platform for dialogue between the private sector and the government, supporting enterprise development across sectors. The Chamber hosts frequent trade delegations, policy discussions, and cross-border business forums. These activities help reinforce Abu Dhabi's global standing and attract foreign direct investment. Recognised by the leadership and business community alike, the Chamber's programs serve as key enablers of the emirate's economic ambitions. In line with this mission, the Chamber continues to invest in improving its digital infrastructure and expanding its export-related services. It views the recent growth in COOs not just as a positive trade indicator, but as a sign of resilience, adaptability, and growing maturity within Abu Dhabi's private sector.
Khaleej Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi: New digital platform to connect SMEs with larger companies
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) will soon launch a new digital platform connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with major corporations in the emirate, as part of its broader roadmap to empower the private sector and drive economic competitiveness. The announcement was made during a media roundtable held on Monday, where Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Chamber, Shamis Al Dhaheri, outlined several new initiatives to support SMEs, expand international presence, and drive innovation through data-backed policy advocacy. In response to calls from the business community for deeper integration between SMEs and large companies, Al Dhaheri said the Chamber is developing an electronic platform to scale up collaboration beyond traditional business events. 'We are looking at building an electronic platform that enables large numbers of small and medium-sized companies to work with large companies and see what are the opportunities for cooperation directly,' explained Al Dhaheri. "The main scaling up can happen through having the electronic module.' This comes alongside a new bulk buying programme that allows SMEs to access procurement opportunities at competitive pricing. 'We also have a special programme for SMEs to help them build their capabilities,' he added. 'We want to build more synergies when it comes to the collaboration between big corporations in Abu Dhabi and the SME sector.' Overseas offices planned beyond Poland Following the Chamber's first international office launch in Poland, more overseas expansions are in the pipeline. While Al Dhaheri declined to reveal which countries are next, he confirmed the Chamber would prioritise nations with strong trade ties to the UAE. 'We have other offices that will open up soon,' he said. 'I do not think we will be able to disclose the account, because then I will only surprise you.' The office in Poland was selected due to its prime geographic location and longstanding economic engagement with the UAE, making it a strategic entry point to European markets. AI and green economy The Chamber is rolling out a new "House of Innovation" initiative to help businesses, especially SMEs, adopt artificial intelligence and align with green economy standards. 'We are working with the private sector to help them build their awareness first, to educate them first, to be AI-slash-ESG ready,' said Al Dhaheri. He added that larger companies may find it easier to adopt such technologies, but SMEs often require a roadmap. 'Eventually, the biggest adopters of artificial intelligence, we will celebrate with them the successes of their improvement in efficiency,' he said. The initiative includes showcasing successful use cases and offering tailored upskilling. Al Dhaheri shared updates on the Family Business Council, which was launched during Abu Dhabi Business Week in December 2024. The Council's Board of Directors was established in April, and its strategy has since been finalised. Key pillars of the strategy include upskilling the second and third generation of shareholders, improving succession planning, and linking family businesses with local and foreign investment opportunities. "Launching a separate council gives us the ability to focus on them specifically,' said Al Dhaheri. 'We are ready to take them through a journey in a very transparent, open discussion of how we can be more sustainable.' Family businesses make up 90% of Abu Dhabi's non-oil GDP and employ more than 50% of the private sector workforce, according to the Chamber. Al Dhaheri noted that a significant number of family businesses globally fail to survive beyond the second or third generation, making sustainability and governance critical. 'A very high percentage of family businesses are typically not continuing after a second or third generation,' he said. 'So we're trying to have success stories of helping businesses to continue. And this is a main pillar for us.' Another major shift under the new roadmap is a data-driven approach to policy lobbying. Instead of merely compiling private sector complaints, the Chamber is now prioritising issues based on potential economic impact. 'We've enforced our analytics capabilities within the Chamber,' Al Dhaheri said. 'Now we're doing more of analytics... to see what is the opportunity, see what's its impact on the economy before we go and address it.' The Chamber has formed 15 specialised working groups with 225 private sector representatives and published 364 economic reports over the past nine months. Engagements have included sectors such as health, education, real estate, and food safety. Stronger engagement and better service remain top priorities for the Chamber, which aims to move beyond formal channels and become more accessible to businesses of all sizes. 'If you want to communicate with me on WhatsApp, I'm there. If you want to send me a message on Instagram, I'm there,' he said. 'The more engagement we can have with the private sector, the more results we can achieve.' Membership in the Chamber rose 4.9% between September 2024 and June 2025 to reach over 157,000 companies. During the same period, the Chamber hosted 69 business events, received 18,960 customer inquiries, and achieved a 90.23% satisfaction rate on the TAMM platform. Exports and international partnerships Al Dhaheri cited 34 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) as a major advantage in attracting international firms, including from China. He highlighted the speed at which some companies were able to establish food manufacturing facilities in the capital. 'We welcome the Chinese investors to deliver here. And I think we give a lot of attention to this partnership between the private sector in general and the Chinese private sector as well.' Business women licences grow by 25% Al Dhaheri said there has been a growth of around 25% in women-owned business licenses under the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority's Mobdea licence category. He credited this to growing private sector initiative and the support of the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council. Through its 2025–2028 roadmap, ADCCI plans to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global investment destination while expanding capacity building and enabling the private sector to contribute more meaningfully to sustainable economic growth. 'There is no big business if there is no small business,' Al Dhaheri said. 'Any number is important to us, with more focus on the SMEs, because they are the economy of Abu Dhabi.'
Mid East Info
01-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Chamber Launches Stakeholder Engagement Drive - Middle East Business News and Information
Outreach programme focuses on delivering tangible benefits to Abu Dhabi's private sector and enhancing competitiveness ADCCI signs Collaboration Agreement with JOCIC to expand UAE-China private sector collaboration, marking a new phase in strategic partnerships Abu Dhabi, July, 2025 – The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has launched a strategic stakeholder engagement programme to build and strengthen relationships with major economic partners in Abu Dhabi and globally. It is a long-term initiative, focusing on structured and proactive dialogue with strategic partners to enhance collaboration that delivers value for Abu Dhabi's private sector. As part of the launch, a Chamber delegation led by His Excellency Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, visited three major industrial hubs – Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Metal Park, and China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (JOCIC Park) – which are instrumental in advancing Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and serve as main gateways for foreign investment into the UAE. The visits ensure that major players in the industrial landscape receive the support and empowerment they need to thrive, as the industrial sector is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy, driving innovation and sustainable growth. During the tour, a Collaboration Agreement between ADCCI and the Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Ltd. (JOCIC) was signed, showcasing the Chamber's commitment to expanding the scope and depth of Abu Dhabi's economic relations with China. The Collaboration Agreement aims to unlock new opportunities for private sector players in both markets and facilitate direct business collaboration, aligning with the Chamber's mission to provide support services, legal consultations, training, certification, and business matchmaking. By offering access to these resources and encouraging participation in investment events and economic forums, ADCCI ensures that local companies are well-positioned to form new partnerships and seize emerging market opportunities. H.E. Shamis Al Dhaheri emphasised that the strategic programme is focused on building high-impact partnerships that deliver long-term economic value. 'We greatly appreciate the contributions of KEZAD Group, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park to Abu Dhabi's industrial sector, which is one of the key drivers of our sustainable economic development. By collaborating with these entities, we intend to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway for cross-border investment and innovation, while supporting the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's private sector,' he said. 'This approach puts businesses at the centre of our strategy, ensuring that every partnership creates real opportunities and supports our emirate's vision as a global hub for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. The signing of the Collaboration Agreement with JOCIC is a direct result of this engagement programme, highlighting our commitment to promoting partnerships that advance Abu Dhabi's long-term development goals.' KEZAD Group, Metal Park and JOCIC Park are central to this strategy. KEZAD offers integrated trade, logistics, and industrial zones that attract international investors and support Abu Dhabi's growth as a regional hub. Metal Park, located within KEZAD, provides state-of-the-art industrial hub exclusively for the metal industry, downstream in the region hosting processing centres, fabrication centres, storage and more all under one roof. These developments make Abu Dhabi more attractive for industrial investment and support the emirate's economic diversification. Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, stated: 'Metal Park, as an exclusive infrastructure dedicated to the metal industry, is designed to unite all leading players under one roof to serve global markets from the UAE. Aligned with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, our mission is to position the UAE not just as a logistics hub, but as the region's premier industrial hub – particularly for metals.' JOCIC Park has played an important role in attracting Chinese industrial investment to Abu Dhabi since its establishment in 2017. Situated in KEZAD, the company has developed a 2.2 square kilometer industrial hub, with an additional 10 square kilometer expansion underway, including an integrated accommodation for 3,000 workers. Until now, more than 40 Chinese companies have committed to operating within the zone, supported over USD 0.7 billion (AED 2.5 bn) in cumulative investment. UAE-China bilateral trade has grown from USD2 billion (AED 7.3 bn) in 2000 to USD102 billion (AED 374.3 bn) in 2024. China is among Abu Dhabi's top trading partners, and leading source of the emirate's imports in 2024, supported by increased infrastructure investments at Khalifa Port and KEZAD. The Collaboration Agreement highlights the growing momentum between Abu Dhabi and China, with UAE investments in China up 120% over two decades, and Chinese company registrations with the Chamber rising 69.4% in 2024. KEZAD, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park continue to anchor this collaboration, supporting the Chamber's long-term goal of shaping the future of global trade from Abu Dhabi. Through this collaboration, JOCIC Park and its clients will gain greater access to a wide range of Chamber services. JOCIC will also participate in Chamber-led investment events and economic forums, further strengthening its role in shaping bilateral engagement and industrial development. About Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ADCCI The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) is a key enabler of private sector growth and competitiveness in Abu Dhabi. Working alongside the emirate's wider ecosystem, the Chamber connects businesses with government, amplifies the private sector's voice in shaping policy, and delivers tailored programs to help companies grow, diversify, and compete locally and globally. With a strategic focus on ease of doing business, innovation, market access, and skills development, ADCCI plays a vital role in advancing Abu Dhabi's vision for sustainable, inclusive, and future-driven economic progress. About JOCIC: Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Ltd. (JOCIC) is the sole shareholder and investor of the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Abu Dhabi. JOCIC is responsible for attracting and supporting Chinese enterprises looking to expand operations internationally, particularly within the MENA region. Through its strategic projects in Abu Dhabi, JOCIC plays an essential role in enabling industrial collaboration and fostering mutually beneficial investment partnerships between China and UAE. About Metal Park: Metal Park, located within KEZAD – Abu Dhabi, is a state-of-the-art industrial hub dedicated exclusively to the downstream metal industry in the region. It brings together processing centres, fabrication units, storage solutions, and more – all under one roof. Spanning over 5 million square feet, the park is divided into two hubs – the Storage Hub in the Free Zone and the Production Hub in the Mainland – seamlessly connected by a private road with direct access to Khalifa Port, Etihad Rail, and major expressways. Metal Park redefines traditional industry limitations by offering an 'Asset as a Service' model with a pay-as-you-go structure, enabling unmatched flexibility and operational efficiency.
Gulf Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi Chamber launches stakeholder engagement drive
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has launched a strategic stakeholder engagement programme to build and strengthen relationships with major economic partners in Abu Dhabi and globally. It is a long-term initiative, focusing on structured and proactive dialogue with strategic partners to enhance collaboration that delivers value for Abu Dhabi's private sector. As part of the launch, a Chamber delegation led by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, visited three major industrial hubs – Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Metal Park, and China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (JOCIC Park) – which are instrumental in advancing Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and serve as main gateways for foreign investment into the UAE. The visits ensure that major players in the industrial landscape receive the support and empowerment they need to thrive, as the industrial sector is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy, driving innovation and sustainable growth. During the tour, a Collaboration Agreement between ADCCI and the Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Ltd. (JOCIC) was signed, showcasing the Chamber's commitment to expanding the scope and depth of Abu Dhabi's economic relations with China. The Collaboration Agreement aims to unlock new opportunities for private sector players in both markets and facilitate direct business collaboration, aligning with the Chamber's mission to provide support services, legal consultations, training, certification, and business matchmaking. By offering access to these resources and encouraging participation in investment events and economic forums, ADCCI ensures that local companies are well-positioned to form new partnerships and seize emerging market opportunities. Shamis Al Dhaheri emphasised that the strategic programme is focused on building high-impact partnerships that deliver long-term economic value. 'We greatly appreciate the contributions of KEZAD Group, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park to Abu Dhabi's industrial sector, which is one of the key drivers of our sustainable economic development. By collaborating with these entities, we intend to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway for cross-border investment and innovation, while supporting the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's private sector,' he said. 'This approach puts businesses at the centre of our strategy, ensuring that every partnership creates real opportunities and supports our emirate's vision as a global hub for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. The signing of the Collaboration Agreement with JOCIC is a direct result of this engagement programme, highlighting our commitment to promoting partnerships that advance Abu Dhabi's long-term development goals.' KEZAD Group, Metal Park and JOCIC Park are central to this strategy. KEZAD offers integrated trade, logistics, and industrial zones that attract international investors and support Abu Dhabi's growth as a regional hub. Metal Park, located within KEZAD, provides state-of-the-art industrial hub exclusively for the metal industry, downstream in the region hosting processing centres, fabrication centres, storage and more all under one roof. These developments make Abu Dhabi more attractive for industrial investment and support the emirate's economic diversification. Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, stated: 'Metal Park, as an exclusive infrastructure dedicated to the metal industry, is designed to unite all leading players under one roof to serve global markets from the UAE. Aligned with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, our mission is to position the UAE not just as a logistics hub, but as the region's premier industrial hub – particularly for metals.' JOCIC Park has played an important role in attracting Chinese industrial investment to Abu Dhabi since its establishment in 2017. Situated in KEZAD, the company has developed a 2.2 square kilometer industrial hub, with an additional 10 square kilometer expansion underway, including an integrated accommodation for 3,000 workers. Until now, more than 40 Chinese companies have committed to operating within the zone, supported over $0.7 billion (Dhs2.5b) in cumulative investment. UAE-China bilateral trade has grown from $2 billion (Dhs7.3b) in 2000 to $102 billion (Dhs374.3b) in 2024. China is among Abu Dhabi's top trading partners, and leading source of the emirate's imports in 2024, supported by increased infrastructure investments at Khalifa Port and KEZAD. The Collaboration Agreement highlights the growing momentum between Abu Dhabi and China, with UAE investments in China up 120% over two decades, and Chinese company registrations with the Chamber rising 69.4% in 2024. KEZAD, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park continue to anchor this collaboration, supporting the Chamber's long-term goal of shaping the future of global trade from Abu Dhabi. Through this collaboration, JOCIC Park and its clients will gain greater access to a wide range of Chamber services. JOCIC will also participate in Chamber-led investment events and economic forums, further strengthening its role in shaping bilateral engagement and industrial development.
Al Etihad
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Chamber launches stakeholder engagement drive to boost industrial partnerships
1 July 2025 18:49 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has launched a long-term stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships across Abu Dhabi's industrial landscape and enhancing the competitiveness of the emirate's private by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, a Chamber delegation visited three major industrial hubs — Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Metal Park, and the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (JOCIC Park). These sites play a vital role in implementing the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and serve as key entry points for foreign investment.A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Collaboration Agreement between ADCCI and Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Ltd. (JOCIC), which operates JOCIC Park. The agreement is designed to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both the UAE and China by enabling direct collaboration, business matchmaking, and access to legal consultations, training, certification, and investment events.'We greatly appreciate the contributions of KEZAD Group, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park to Abu Dhabi's industrial sector, which is one of the key drivers of our sustainable economic development,' said Shamis Al Dhaheri. 'By collaborating with these entities, we intend to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway for cross-border investment and innovation, while supporting the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's private sector.'He added that the stakeholder programme puts businesses at the centre of ADCCI's strategy and aims to create 'real opportunities' that contribute to Abu Dhabi's vision as a global hub for trade and the visited sites, Metal Park stands out as a dedicated hub for the metal industry, bringing together processing, fabrication, and storage under one roof. 'Aligned with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, our mission is to position the UAE not just as a logistics hub, but as the region's premier industrial hub – particularly for metals,' said Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, located within KEZAD, has been instrumental in attracting Chinese investment since its launch in 2017. The site currently hosts over 40 Chinese companies, having supported cumulative investments exceeding $0.7 billion (Dh2.5 billion). An additional 10 square kilometre expansion is underway, which will include integrated accommodation for 3,000 remains one of Abu Dhabi's most important trade partners. Bilateral trade surged from $2 billion (Dh7.3 billion) in 2000 to $102 billion (Dh374.3 billion) in 2024. UAE investments in China have grown 120% over the past two decades, while Chinese company registrations with ADCCI rose by 69.4% in Chamber said the Collaboration Agreement with JOCIC underscores this growing momentum. Through the agreement, JOCIC and its clients will gain access to a wide range of Chamber services and participate in ADCCI-led economic forums and investment events. KEZAD, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park will continue to anchor the Chamber's engagement programme as ADCCI works toward shaping the future of global trade from Abu Dhabi.
