• Initiatives discussed to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global business and trade hub

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Following the resolution issued by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to restructure the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors, the newly formed board held its first meeting to set the framework and next steps to further enhance the business ecosystem and the Emirate’s position as preferred destination for talents, businesses, and investments.

During the meeting, chaired by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, the board discussed the Chamber's plans and most prominent upcoming projects. These initiatives aim to enhance the growth and prosperity of the private sector and strengthen the business ecosystem in the Emirate.

This will help strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global business and trade hub and raise its competitiveness and dynamism by addressing rapid changes and emerging trends in the global economy.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber Board of Directors, said: “We are committed to honoring the trust vested in us by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by actively contributing to building the economy of the future. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we are taking all necessary measures to achieve a qualitative leap in Abu Dhabi’s business sector. The private sector plays a key role in taking our ‘Falcon Economy’ to new heights. Last year, it continued its strong growth, reaching AED 338.9 billion, up 35% compared to 2016. Supported by private sector, Abu Dhabi non-oil sectors are going from strength to strength, recording a growth of 4.7% in the first quarter 2024 to AED 154.7 billion to contribute over 54% of total real GDP. Our goal is to elevate the private sector to new levels of progress, development, and growth, accelerating the transformation of Abu Dhabi towards a diversified, smart, and sustainable economy”.

H.E. Al Zaabi adds: “We are meeting today to embark on a new chapter in the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s journey, building on the previous board’s achievements. Our priority is to further enhance the openness of the business environment and raise levels of quality foreign direct investments, talents, and innovations”.

The board meeting reaffirmed its commitment to fostering cooperation between the Chamber and its strategic partners in both the public and private sectors, while expanding its international network. They emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts and initiatives of all concerned stakeholders to enable the private sector unleash its full potential and play a pivotal role in the next phase of economic diversification efforts.

The meeting was attended by Dr Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, the First Vice Chairman, Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, the Second Vice Chairman, Masaood Rahma Al Masaood Treasurer, Humaid Matar Salem Al Dhaheri Deputy Treasurer, and other members of the board.