Dubai Chambers has called on Malaysian companies to capitalize on Dubai’s strategic position as a gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The emirate’s advanced logistics infrastructure, open economy, and business-friendly environment offer opportunities for companies seeking to expand their international operations and investments.
The invitation came during Dubai Chambers’ participation in the inaugural Yalla Commerce Global E-Commerce Summit 2026, held on September 22 and 23 at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dubai Offers Malaysian Companies a Strategic Gateway to International Markets
Malcolm Lewy, Chief Representative of Dubai Chambers in Singapore, who also oversees the Chamber’s activities in Malaysia and Brunei, said Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of global trade strengthens its ability to connect businesses with regional and international markets.
Dubai’s economic and commercial advantages provide Malaysian companies with opportunities to establish a stronger international presence and enter new markets. Businesses can draw on the emirate’s extensive global trade networks and advanced infrastructure to support their expansion plans.
Dubai has also continued to consolidate its position as a global destination for investment. During the first half of 2025, the emirate retained its top global ranking for the number of new greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, attracting 643 projects.
The estimated value of FDI capital reached AED 40.4 billion ($11 billion), representing a 62% increase compared with the same period in 2024 and reflecting Dubai’s continued appeal to international investors.
Yalla Commerce Summit Promotes Trade Between the GCC and ASEAN
The Yalla Commerce Global E-Commerce Summit brings together more than 1,000 participants, over 40 partners, and 20 speakers and experts to explore opportunities for e-commerce growth and cross-border business expansion between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Arfa Hussain, CEO of Yalla Commerce, said there is significant potential to establish a digital trade corridor between Malaysia and the UAE, drawing on Malaysia’s growing e-commerce sector and the UAE’s role as a hub connected to global trade networks.
She explained that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Malaysia has laid the foundation for stronger trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Yalla Commerce aims to help Malaysian companies turn this momentum into business opportunities and tangible expansion in the UAE and other Gulf markets.
The summit also highlights the importance of strengthening commercial ties between Gulf and Asian markets while opening new opportunities for businesses to benefit from continued growth in the e-commerce sector and develop cross-border economic partnerships.
