Chambers of Commerce in the UAE and Selected Countries

National Qualifications Authority

R&D Department
October 2019

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Contents
Chambers of Commerce in the UAE and Selected Countries ....................................................................... 1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Chamber services ...................................................................................................................................... 3
International, transnational, and regional chambers of commerce ..................................................... 3
International Chamber of Commerce ............................................................................................... 3
World Chambers Federation ......................................................................................................... 4
World Chambers Network ............................................................................................................ 4
ICC Research Foundation .............................................................................................................. 4
Selected transnational and regional chambers of commerce .......................................................... 4
ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry .............................................................................. 5
Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) .............................. 5
Eurochambres ............................................................................................................................... 5
Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC).......................................................................................... 5
Chambers of commerce in selected countries ......................................................................................... 6
Germany................................................................................................................................................ 6
Finland................................................................................................................................................... 7
United Kingdom .................................................................................................................................... 7
Canada .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Australia ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Hong Kong ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Singapore ............................................................................................................................................ 10
South Korea......................................................................................................................................... 10
United Arab Emirates (UAE) ................................................................................................................ 12
Abu Dhabi Chamber ........................................................................................................................ 12
Dubai Chamber ............................................................................................................................... 15
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry .................................................................................... 15
Chambers of commerce located in northern emirates .................................................................. 16

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Introduction
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, which advocates business community,
represents their interests, and eventually helps businesses prosper. Chambers of commerce are
managed by boards of directors or executive councils who provide oversight and set policy for the
chamber.

Chamber services
Networking
Chambers of commerce are predominantly voluntary associations and combine companies belonging to
different trades and industries. Many businesses choose to join a chamber of commerce in order ‘to
make connections’. Chamber events provide effective networking opportunities where business
representatives can spread the word about their companies.
Chamber directory
Chambers of commerce are a valuable source of private sector information. They all house a digital
chamber/commercial directory that contains contact information on business companies operating
locally, regionally, and internationally. This information is updated on a regular basis. Both members and
non-members of the chamber of commerce have access to the directory.
Legal services
Chambers of commerce play an important role in local government affairs. They address issues that may
arise with new regulations, fees, taxes, costs, or assessments applicable to the businesses they serve.
Chambers of commerce provide legal services, if/when required.
Certificate of Origin
Chambers of commerce issue certificates of origin (CO), which is a document declaring in which country
a commodity or good was manufactured. CO contains information regarding the product, its
destination, and the country of export.
International, transnational, and regional chambers of commerce
Membership in an individual chamber can range from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands. Chambers
of commerce exist on a variety of levels, ranging from state, city or town up to regional, transnational,
and international chambers of commerce.
International Chamber of Commerce
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)1 is the world’s largest business organisation,
representing more than 45 million companies, including many of the world’s leading
companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), business associations, and local
chambers of commerce located in over 100 countries.

1
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Retrieved from https://iccwbo.org/about-us/
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The ICC’s core mission is “to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere”. It promotes
international trade, responsible business conduct, and a global approach to regulation, in addition to
providing market-leading dispute resolution services.
The ICC represents business interests at the highest levels of intergovernmental decision-making, such
as the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations, or the G20, ensuring the voice of business is
heard.
The ICC has three main activities:

 rule setting
 dispute resolution, and,
 policy advocacy.
The ICC provides world-class business and legal training ranging from large topical conferences to
training sessions for small groups all over the world. In addition, the ICC is an industry-leading publisher
of practical tools for international business, banking, and arbitration.
World Chambers Federation
In 1951, the ICC established the World Chambers Federation (WCF)2, formerly the
International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce. WCF is a unique global forum uniting
the worldwide network of more than 12,000 chambers of commerce and industry.
The WCF provides a platform for chamber leaders to communicate and collaborate with each other on
matters of mutual interest and facilitate beneficial partnerships.
The WCF connects the ICC to SMEs across the world and promotes the important role SMEs play in the
global economy. The WCF provides support to chambers to help SMEs to face the challenges and
opportunities of globalisation.
World Chambers Network
In 1997, World Chambers Network3 was established as the official chamber portal
dedicated to electronic trade. This is a vital business tool, which offers business
and market information via chambers (local to global), business promotion,
verification, and trust services.
ICC Research Foundation
In 2010, the ICC established the ICC Research Foundation (ICCRF) to commission independent research
that contributes to public knowledge, education, and debate on benefits of global trade and investment.
Selected transnational and regional chambers of commerce
A transnational chamber of commerce and industry is a group of chambers sharing a similar
geographical region, economic grouping, cultural, or languages basis. Transnational chambers can be

2
World Chambers Federation (WCF). Retrieved from https://iccwbo.org/chamber-services/world-chambers-
federation/
3
World Chambers Network (WCN). Retrieved from http://www.worldchambers.com/default.aspx
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found in most regions of the world. Currently, there are more than 20 transnational chambers of
commerce around the world. Some of them cover regions as large as Africa, while the others cover
smaller and diverse communities such as the Caribbean and the ASEAN4.
ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry
The ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI)5 is a regional confederation of chambers
of commerce of all member states in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)6.
Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)
Established in 1966, the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)7 is a
regional association composed of the national chambers or associations of commerce and industry in
Asia and the Western Pacific.
Eurochambres
Eurochambres8 is the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Eurochambres was
established in 1958 as a direct response to the creation of the European Economic Community. It
represents European business community interests to the European institutions.
Eurochambres combines over 20 million businesses in Europe through 46 members (42 national
associations of chambers of commerce and industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and
a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers. More than 93% of these businesses are small
and medium enterprises.
Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC)
The Federation of GCC9 Chambers (FGCCC)10 was launched in October 1979 in response to the increasing
needs of strengthening bonds and relation among GCC chambers of commerce and enhance economic
cooperation in various fields among GCC and other Arab countries that share common values and
destiny.
The GFCCC is a non-profit organisation. It works for coordination and standardisation of economic laws,
regulations, policies and commercial practices of the Gulf countries. In addition, it works for recognition
of the economic right to freely engage in economic activities throughout the area, including the free
flow of national products, individuals, and capital without administrative or customs restrictions. The

4
Transnational Chambers of Commerce and Industry, International Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from
https://iccwbo.org/chamber-services/world-chambers-federation/chamber-partnerships-initiatives/transnational-
chambers-of-commerce-and-industry/
5
ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI). Retrieved from
6
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Retrieved from https://asean.org/
7
Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). Retrieved from
https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100041631; http://chamberdirectory.worldchambers.com/details.asp?id=24714
8
Eurochambres. Retrieved from http://www.eurochambres.eu/Content/Default.asp?#
9
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
10
Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC). Retrieved from https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100009879;
http://www.incge.com/13/FGCCC.html
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GFCCC explores the scope for establishing joint Gulf economic projects, and strives to facilitate their
implementation.

Chambers of commerce in selected countries

Chambers of commerce exist all over the world. The first one was founded in 1599 in Marseille,
France, as the Chambre de Commerce11. Chambers of commerce across the world have a lot in common.
However, every chamber is unique, with different benefits, resources, and opportunities.
Germany
The Association of German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag, DIHK)12 includes 79
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in Germany. The law requires that all German companies
registered in Germany, except for handicraft business, the free professions and farms, join a chamber.
The DIHK represents all commercial enterprises in Germany regardless of their size or industry, rather
than a specific corporate group. This gives the association considerable political influence.
Employee development and upskilling is of utmost importance for German companies. The German
vocational education and training systems, also known as the dual training system, which combines
apprenticeships in a company and vocational education at a vocational school in one course, is highly
recognised worldwide. The DIHK advises CCIs across the country on all questions of vocational training,
coordinates and makes recommendations, prepares materials, texts and information for instructors and
examiners. CCIs encourage business to provide apprenticeships, mediate in the case of problems,
promote qualified trainers and examiners, register the training contracts, organise examinations,
recognise foreign certificates and organise visits abroad for trainees.
More than 30,000 examination committees staffed with around 190,000 volunteer examiners work to
ensure that employees are trained in line with requirements and that the vocational and further training
examinations are relevant to business.
The DIHK is involved in the development of training regulations. In conjunction with trade and industry,
the Association coordinates the federal government’s training initiative.
The DIHK works on behalf of companies in Berlin and Brussels on education and training related
projects, among them is amendments to the Vocational Training Act13. The DIHK coordinates the
international training work of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs)14 in order to promote and
assist in implementing the dual vocational education system across the world.15

11
Chambre de Commerce, Marseille, France. Retrieved from https://www.cci.fr/web/les-cci-de-france
12
The Association of German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag,
DIHK). Retrieved from https://www.dihk.de/en
13
Vocational Training Act, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany. Retrieved from
https://www.bibb.de/dokumente/pdf/bmbf_berufsbildungsreformgesetz_en.pdf
14
German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs). Retrieved from https://www.ahk.de/en/
15
Education and training, The Association of German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved from
https://www.dihk.de/en/segments/training
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Finland
The Finland Chamber of Commerce16 works on a national level and coordinates
the operations of 19 independent regional chambers of commerce across all areas of Finland. It brings
together 20,000 companies and corporate influencers from across the country.
The Finland Chamber of Commerce organises national events, training, lectures, and networking events.
Regional chambers of commerce are among the largest training organisations in Finland when it comes
to running a business.
Each year, the Finland Chamber of Commerce arranges various vocational degrees and examinations.
Among them are examinations for real estate agents and letting agents, AKA (authorised property
valuer) examination to measure the expertise of property valuers, HTT examination for a goods
inspector, etc. Examinations are held in Finnish or Swedish.
United Kingdom
Accredited Chambers of Commerce can be found in every region and nation of the
United Kingdom (UK)17. The mission of the British Chambers of Commerce is “to be
the voice of UK businesses and represent their interests and priorities to
government and in the media”.
Among the goals of the British Chambers of Commerce is to bridge the gap between the worlds of
education and business. The Young Chamber of the British Chambers of Commerce aims to connect
businesses to local education providers and highlight the exciting and rewarding careers for young
people. They are “determined to change the system and ensure that businesses, educators, and
government share the burden when it comes to preparing young people for work.”
Canada
Established in 1925, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce18 represents 200,000
businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, and from all regions of the country. With a network of over 450
chambers of commerce and boards of trade, this is the largest and most influential business association
in Canada. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital connection between business and the
federal government.
In order to develop personal and professional skills, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce arranges free
webinars, teleconferences, and various training programmes to keep their members up-to-date on
current trends, skills development, and information regarding the Chamber’s initiatives.
Australia
The policies of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry19 “aim to ensure
Australia has an environment for doing business that encourages free enterprise, investment, and

16
Finland Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from https://kauppakamari.fi/en
17
British Chambers of Commerce. Retrieved from https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/join-a-chamber
18
Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from http://www.chamber.ca/
19
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved from https://www.australianchamber.com.au/
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entrepreneurship, and for businesses to be acknowledged and supported as the creators of wealth, jobs,
and living standards”.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce considers education and skills as “a cornerstone of a strong
economy and productive businesses”. The Chamber underlines the importance of delivering the skills
needed by a modern economy. Their policies apply across the whole education and training system:

 More clearly identify the respective roles and responsibilities of federal and state
governments.
 Have an integrated plan for facilitating stronger industry engagement.
 Reduce the administrative complexity for employers.
 Provide relevant and timely information to students, job seekers, and workers to improve the
outcomes of their choices.
 Develop a strong evidence-based approach to labour force analysis and forecasting.
 Work better with industry sectors to address their specific needs.

The Chamber highlights that employers value the vocational education and training, which focuses on
providing job skills required in modern workplaces. However, currently its efficiency and effectiveness
are undermined by the lack of clarity over roles and responsibilities brought about by issues of
federation. Moreover, federal policy decisions in recent years, including cuts to employer incentives and
support for union-driven wage increases, have had a bad effect on the apprenticeship policy that plays a
significant role in vocational training.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasises the importance of the vocational
education and training to be industry-driven and responsive. The Chamber’s policies for vocational
education and training include the following:20

20
Education & Skills, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved from
https://www.australianchamber.com.au/top-issues-for-business/our-policies/education-skills/
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 Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Policy for Vocational Education and Training (VET)

 Increase funding by all governments in VET to recognise the sector’s important role in meeting
labour market needs and improving workplace productivity.
 Leverage apprenticeship investment through the Skilling Australians Fund in order to implement
an industry-led national approach to apprenticeships and traineeships.
 Restoring growth in commencements and completions and maximising the benefits of a system
underpinned by industrial arrangements that provide a training wage.
 Restore industry leadership of VET (where industry is defined as employers), at all levels
including strengthening industry representation on the Australian Industry and Skills Committee,
ensuring Industry Reference Committees are strongly reflective of industry and that the
standards for providers require industry engagement, in order that the system delivers
outcomes that meet the needs of the labour market.
 Ensure training package developers are responsive to industry through a contestable market for
their services.
 Ensure that the VET system is agile and flexible in its implementation in order to deal with the
needs of each industry sector while at the same time being mindful of the considerable cost of
frequent change.
 Continue to support student and employer choice of a VET provider in order to ensure providers
perform to the standards required by industry and remain responsive to the needs of students.
 Implement a national approach to VET funding and policy development to improve consistency
and skills outcomes, and minimise inefficiency and duplication across the activities of the
Federal, State and Territory governments.
 Maintain a strong focus on quality across the education and training system, through the
professional development of instructors, institutions, and effective and sufficiently resourced
national regulators.
 Performance and excellence criteria should be introduced for Registered Training Organisations
via an industry-driven star rating system once minimum standards have been consistently
achieved.
 Highlight the value of skill sets to provide training focused on employer needs and support the
funding of skill set training in the system.

Hong Kong
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce21 helps their member to grow their
business, reduce regulation, and enhance Hong Kong’s business environment for the
benefit of the city and its citizens. The Chamber organises over 500 events annually
ranging from networking functions, seminars, and training programmes, to meeting with incoming
delegations from around the world, missions to Mainland China and around the world, as well as 100+
policy meetings aimed to improve the business environment.

21
Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from http://www.chamber.org.hk/en/
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The four key functions of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce are:

 Advocacy: to promote, represent, and safeguard the interests of the business community in
Hong Kong
 Connections: to broaden local and international networks with businesses, governments, and
institutions around the world
 Events: to arrange exclusive and unique events for members to help grow their businesses
 Business services: to provide a wide range of services tailored to members’ needs, such as
business documentation, staff training, event management, venue rental, etc.

Singapore
The Singapore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) 22 “provides the
highest standard of network services with the long-term goal of helping
enterprises to succeed on a global scale”.
The SCCI’s subsidiary – Singapore Business Network brings businesses from
Singapore, Malaysia, and China together to exchange business insights,
aggregate their strengths, and enjoy joint synergies.
Among the Chamber’s activities are free weekly networking sessions for individuals and businesses from
all industries; monthly free seminars; on-line training courses in a wide variety of subjects; weekly
business pitching sessions; monthly overseas business visits to Malaysia and Shanghai, China; free social
networking events; and business workshops and training to help businesses to remain competitive.
South Korea
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)23 is composed of 73
regional chambers of commerce and more than 100 major institutions and organisations related to
commerce and industry. The KCCI represents approximately 180,000 member companies of all sizes,
sectors, and nationalities, ranging from big businesses to SMEs, manufacturing to services, and domestic
companies to foreign invested companies.
The KCCI advocates business to the government and National Assembly and acts as a channel of
communication between companies and the two public entities. The KCCI offers business management
services including economic outlook and business information publications, business counselling and
consulting services, and practical and vocational training courses to CEOs, executives, and staff.
The KCCI is engaged in the following activities:

 Enhancing business environment

22
Singapore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Retrieved from https://scci.sg/
23
Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved from
http://english.korcham.net/nChamEng/Service/Main/appl/Main.asp

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 The KCCI takes action on current economic issues, supports corporate governance, improves
regulation, promotes corporate social activity, takes action on climate changes and environmental
issues, etc.

 Business networking
The KCCI regularly arranges greeting parties, forums, meetings, etc. In addition, it operates
committees for each business sector and area to discuss prevailing issues in commerce and industry
and encourage interaction among members.
 International business cooperation
The KCCI dispatches business delegation and market research teams, and operates bilateral
economic cooperation committees with 51 countries for non-government business cooperation. The
KCCI is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), World Chambers Federation
(WCF), Confederation of Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry24. In addition, it operates
overseas offices in China and Vietnam.
 Supporting business activities
Among the activities the KCCI provides are the following:
o giving awards, together with the government, to corporations and businessmen who have
contributed to the development of commerce and trade
o supporting various educational programmes that aim to improve managerial competency of
CEOs and cultivate functional knowledge of employees
o providing professional consulting services
o developing managerial innovation and quality improvement activities to improve
competitiveness of small and medium enterprises
o supplying international standard barcodes to businesses
o providing standards-based services
o operating eight (8) Human Resources Development Centres located across the country
where technical personnel are trained and provided to businesses
o certifying trade documents needed by businesses in their import and export transactions
o holding qualifying examinations and issuing licenses related to office work.

24
Confederation of Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved from https://www.cacci.biz/wp-
content/uploads/2017/01/E-2016-CACCI-Primer.pdf
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United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI)25 was
established in 1976. Among the Federation’s activities are:

 promoting the FCCI’s activities on internal and external levels

 consolidating organic ties between the FCCI and the member chambers
 supporting the chambers’ capabilities since the efficiency of the federation is eventually the
total efficiency of the chambers members
 improving administrative, technical, and financial capabilities through the use of modern
technology
 promoting joint agreements between the UAE and other countries
 increasing cooperation with the Gulf, Arabic, and international organisations
 publishing research and studies of the UAE economy and specialised bulletins and publications.

Each emirate in the UAE has a chamber of commerce.

Abu Dhabi Chamber
The Abu Dhabi Chamber26, an autonomous institution of public interest, was
established in 1969. The Chamber aims at contributing towards developing and organising commercial
and trade activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi; increasing the competitiveness capabilities and
expanding opportunities of the companies of the private sector.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber provides the following services:

Comercial directory An expanding business network of local trade partners and

international companies operating in Abu Dhabi

Business link A guide for local and foreign investors

Legal services  Legal consultancy

 Amicable mediation
 Workshops and seminars on various legal topics in order to
improve legal awareness in doing business
 Business-regulating laws and legislation
 Professional training for graduates from faculties of law in order to
provide them with legal skills to enter the labour market

25
UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). Retrieved from
http://www.iccuae.com/0001.html
26
Abu Dhabi Chamber. Retrieved from https://www.abudhabichamber.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
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 Dhabi card Discounts and benefits offered to both merchants and customers in
order to boost trade and commercial activity; it is tailored to the needs
of both consumers and investors in the emirate

Emirates Association for Offers membership opportunities to connect business people with the
Franchise Development Franchise International Business; provides franchise business help and
support

Abu Dhabi Commercial Organises an academic programme to prepare and habilitate

Conciliation and Arbitration arbitrators as an alterntative judicial podium to resolve commercial
Centre and investment disputes

Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Supports, involves, and promotes businesswomen, female

Council entrepreneurs, and creative ladies in the private sector; enhances the
role of scientific research and development in the field of
entrepreneurship; offers programmes in the field of entrepreneurship
to support women’s empowerment through streamlining their skills
and aptitudes; etc.

SME awards An integrated programme for the qualification, guidance, and

assessment of start-up, small and medium enterprises in the fileds of
knowledge economy. The Abu Dhabi Chamber pays particular
attention to the development of entrepreneurship among the youth,
and encourages them to enter into startups, and small and medium
enterprises. The Chamber offers a programme that aims to enable the
entrepreneurs to appropriately plan and prepare for their enterprises.
The Chamber carries out assessment and provides assessment reports
aiming at improvements in all aspects of the business model, and
finally recognises the excellent enterprises.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber has established International Representation Offices in South Korea and
Singapore with the goal of promoting the emirate of Abu Dhabi as an investment destination.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber has the following subsidiaries:

UAE Academy Offers education and training programmes aimed at providing learners
with knowledge and skills to compete in the 21st century job market:

 National Qualifications Programmes

o Level 4 Certificate In Business Administration
o Level 5 Diploma In Business Administration
 International Qualifications Programme
o BTEC Qualifications

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 o City & Guilds International Trainer, Teacher, Assessor and
Internal Quality Assurer public courses
 Training & Skills Development Centre
o Business Management
o English Language
o Information Technology
 Emiratisation Support Centre
o Resume Writing and Mock Interview
o Assessment and Development Centres for Emiratis
o Emiratisation Programme
o Career Counselling and HR Placement Portal
 UAE Academy Masterclasses
o Masterclass Strategy
o Masterclass Innovative and Creative Thinking
o Masterclass Finance for Non-financial Professionals
o Masterclass Leadership and Organisational Development
o Mastercallse Quality and Business Excellence
o Masterclass Marketing for Managers

Abu Dhabi International A semi-government entity specialising in Total Quality Management

Centre for Organisational and Business Excellence; offers training and consultancy to enhance
Excellence (ADICOE) personal and organisational performance

Abu Dhabi Centre for Supports private and public sectors to adopt the highest standards and
Corporate Governance practices of corporate governance; raises awareness; builds local
capacity; provides assistance and advisory services to businesses and
government entities

Abu Dhabi Businesswomen See above

Council

Abu Dhabi School of A higher education institution recognised by the Commission for
Management Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE; offers the
following programmes:
 Master of Business Administration
 Master of Science in Business Analytics
 Master of Science in Leadership and Organisational Development
 Master of Science in Quality and Business Excellence
 Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Organisational
Development
 Postgraduate Diploma in Quality and Business Excellence

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Specialised economic and Adhoc committees established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber play a vital role in
serving various economic sectors, which in turn contribute significantly to the developmet of the
national economy. They are:

 Real Estate Sector Committee

o Engineering consulting and contracting committee
o Real estate management committee
o Real estate investment and development committee
 Commercial Sector Committee
o Fuel, ore, minerals, and industrial chemicals trade committee
o Gold and jewellery trade committee
o Food, beverages, and tobacco trade committee
o Car, office machines, and communication equipment trade committee
 Service Sector Committee
o Travel and tourism working group
o Insurance sector working group
o Shipping and customs clearance working group
o Services sector and government transactions working group
o Financial and banking services working group
Dubai Chamber
Dubai Chamber27 was established in 1965. The Chamber’s mission is to “represent,
support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai”. Among the
services traditionally offered by chambers of commerce, Dubai Chamber provides
Entrepreneurship service, which helps to set up business and get off to a successful start.
In order to make doing business with Dubai Chamber easy, e-services are offered along with
informational videos to familiarise with the procedures for completing business application forms
online.
In 1997, the University of Dubai was established as an initiative of Dubai Chamber. The university aims at
qualifying workforce. It offers baccalaureate and master’s programmes in various fields of study.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Established in 1970, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry28 has four branches
located across the emirate, as well as offices and services offered by the Chamber in
industrial areas and Sharjah free zones. Many other affiliated establishements and organisations work
under its umbrella.
Among the Chamber’s initiatives are the following:

27
Dubai Chamber. Retrieved from http://www.dubaichamber.com/
28
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Retrieved from
http://www.sharjah.gov.ae/Common/AboutMenu?MenuId=68
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  Sectoral Business Groups, which is the most effective mean of communication between the
business and private sectors. They include:
o Shopping Malls Sector Business Group
o Youths' Projects Sector Business Group
o Industries Sector Business Group
o Real Estates Sector Business Group
o Foodstuff Trade and Industry Sector Business Group
o Used Car Trade Sector Business Group
o Hotel Sector Business Group
o Hotel Apartment Sector Business Group.

 Sharjah Excellence Award aimed to advocate a culture of quality, excellence, and innovation
across the emirate of Sharjah; support initiatives and practices that further organisational
excellence in Sharjah; improve the outcomes of entrepreneurial projects in Sharjah:
o Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award
o Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award
o Sharjah Excellence Award
o Sharjah Small & Medium Enterprises Award
o Sharjah Entrepreneurs Award
o Sharjah Green Award
o Sharjah Social Responsibility Award.
 TIJARAH 101
The Small & Medium Enterprises Centre TIJARAH 101 has been established to assist entrepreneurs to
contribute to the economic drive in the emirate of Sharjah under the umbrella of Sharjah Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. The initiative encourages SME and startup investors to develop their businesses
through the centre, provides them with commercial offices and various benefits, and enhances
cooperation between SMEs and markets locally and abroad.
Chambers of commerce located in northern emirates
Among unique services offered by chambers of commerce located in northern emirates, it is worth
mentioning the following:
 Saud Programme offered by Umm Al Quwain Chamber29. The programme sponsors youth
projects;
 Saud Bin Saqr Programme for Supporting Youth Projects30 offered by Ras Al Khaimah Chamber &
Industry;

29
Saud Programme for Sponsoring Youth Projects, UAQ Chamber. Retrieved from http://uaqchamber-002-
site7.btempurl.com/who-we-are/saud-program/
30
Saud Bin Saqr Programme for Supporting Youth Projects, RAK Chamber. Retrieved from
https://www.rak.ae/wps/portal
16
  The Research and Studies Centre at Ajman Chamber31. The centre carries out applied economic
research in order to develop commercial and industrial activities in the emirate of Ajman in
particular and the UAE in general.
 Conferences, seminars, meeting, and training courses arranged by Fujairah Chamber of
Commerce & Industry32. They contribute to the establishment of commercial, industrial, and
investment culture and develop the capabilities and skills of dealing with economic sectors,
departments and institutions.

31
Research and Studies Centre, Ajman Chamber. Retrieved from
https://www.ajmanchamber.ae/en/Services/Pages/ResearchAndStudies.aspx
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Fujairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Retrieved from http://www.fujcci.ae/Home/About
17