Dubai Chambers expands to New York as biggest-ever overseas delegation attends US forum
Forum showcases D33 agenda and Dubai’s appeal for American investors
DUBAI – Dubai Chambers has opened its first-ever representative office in the United States, located in New York City, during the Dubai Business Forum – USA.
The event brought together over 700 senior business leaders, investors, and government officials, marking a new chapter in economic collaboration between Dubai and the United States.
The announcement coincided with the participation of the largest overseas business delegation ever led by Dubai Chambers, comprising more than 80 public and private sector leaders from Dubai. The move reflects the growing economic relationship between the two markets and underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its global network of partnerships.
The new office forms part of the Dubai International Chamber’s wider strategy under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers. It aims to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, helping American companies enter Dubai’s market and expand globally through the emirate, while supporting Dubai-based firms to pursue growth opportunities in the United States.
Dubai Business Forum – USA
The Dubai Business Forum – USA, held under the theme “Dubai–USA: Opportunities Driving Mutual Growth”, was organised in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the US–UAE. Business Council. Featuring 14 panel sessions and 32 expert speakers, the forum explored avenues for cooperation between Dubai and the United States, while highlighting how the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 creates new openings for American investors.
The sessions delved into Dubai’s economic resilience, sectoral diversity, and competitive advantages as a global business hub. Speakers emphasised opportunities for American businesses in high-growth sectors including finance, technology, and logistics, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a launchpad for global expansion.
Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the deep-rooted trade relationship between the two markets: “Dubai and the United States have built robust economic and trade relations founded on decades of productive cooperation and mutual trust.”
He added that the United States remains one of Dubai’s most important strategic partners, ranking fourth among its top international trading partners in 2024. Bilateral non-oil trade reached Dh116.4 billion last year – a 10 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting strong momentum in trade flows.
In a sign of rising American business confidence, 787 new US companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first nine months of 2025, bringing the total number of active American members to 3,690 by September. Between 2015 and 2024, Dubai attracted Dh79.6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United States, while American FDI accounted for 35 per cent of total capital inflows into Dubai during the first half of 2025.
How will the new office support expansion?
Al Mansoori described the opening of the New York office and the hosting of the Dubai Business Forum – USA as “strategic milestones that will unlock new paths for investment and build high-value, sustainable partnerships with the American business community.”
The office will function as a gateway for businesses seeking to navigate opportunities in both directions – providing support to US companies entering Dubai and to Dubai firms seeking access to American markets. The initiative also aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade.
Amna Ali Hamad Bin Zaal Almheiri, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in New York, praised the event’s success and the significance of the new office, describing it as “a symbolic and strategic step in advancing the deep economic ties between the UAE and the United States.”
She added that Dubai’s largest-ever overseas delegation to New York demonstrated the emirate’s expanding global engagement and its growing relevance to American investors. The diverse sectors represented by the delegation – ranging from finance and technology to real estate and logistics – underscored Dubai’s position as a multi-sector hub for international investment.
Dedicated sessions
A dedicated session during the forum spotlighted Dubai’s ability to create a competitive business environment built on innovation and collaboration. Speakers discussed how supportive policies and strategic initiatives under D33 are attracting international investment and driving growth across multiple sectors.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, participated in the session, outlining Dubai’s role in strengthening public–private partnerships and promoting the global expansion of companies operating from the emirate. He emphasised how Dubai’s open economy, strong infrastructure, and forward-looking governance enable sustained business growth.
Another session examined Dubai’s emergence as a global centre for fintech, exploring how progressive policies and access to international talent have enhanced its appeal to technology-driven firms. A separate discussion highlighted Dubai’s growing reputation as an innovation hub for US companies seeking to expand globally, citing its access to venture capital, strong talent pool, and geographic connectivity to markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Further panels focused on the expanding role of sovereign wealth funds and the flow of global capital through Dubai, analysing how the city’s investment landscape adapts to shifting global trends. Experts also discussed the emirate’s regulatory leadership in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and digital governance, which continue to attract international investors seeking a stable and forward-thinking environment.
How is Dubai shaping the future?
The forum’s discussions showcased Dubai’s efforts to nurture an integrated business ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. American participants gained insights into how Dubai has become a magnet for startups, venture capital, and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, fintech, and robotics.
Speakers highlighted the emirate’s evolving frameworks for digital trade, virtual assets, and logistics – all of which enhance its competitiveness as a global centre for commerce and innovation. The focus on talent attraction and high-skilled professional mobility also resonated with the audience, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a place where businesses and people thrive together.