The Dubai Chamber of Commerce is intensifying its efforts to facilitate the global expansion of local businesses through its strategic ‘New Horizons’ initiative. Launched in 2023, this program is designed to assist Dubai-based companies in exploring and entering promising international markets, thereby enhancing the emirate’s position as a global business hub.

Since its inception, ‘New Horizons’ has organized trade missions to approximately 20 countries across Asia and Africa. In 2023 alone, the initiative supported seven trade missions, and this momentum continued into 2024 with missions to eight countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Senegal, Morocco, Turkey, Serbia, Tanzania, and Uganda. These missions have resulted in over 2,200 bilateral business meetings, significantly boosting opportunities for local companies to establish international partnerships.

The impact of ‘New Horizons’ is evident in the growth of local companies expanding abroad. In 2023, 77 companies benefited from the initiative, and this number rose to 114 in 2024, marking a 48% increase. In 2025, the Chamber organized four trade missions to Angola, Mozambique, the Philippines, and Thailand, supporting dozens of Dubai-based companies in exploring new markets.

Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, emphasized the initiative’s role in enabling companies to enter promising international markets. He noted that the trade missions have served as a launching pad for many local businesses seeking to establish a global presence.

Participants in the ‘New Horizons’ trade missions have highlighted the program’s effectiveness in connecting UAE manufacturers with international markets. The initiative has been particularly beneficial for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, providing them with opportunities to showcase their products and forge strategic partnerships.

The ‘New Horizons’ initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader economic objectives, including the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative, both aiming to double the size of Dubai’s economy and solidify its status among the world’s top global cities.

Through ‘New Horizons,’ the Dubai Chamber of Commerce continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the international growth of local businesses, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a dynamic and globally connected business environment.