Dubai International Chamber has opened a new representative office in Cape Town, marking a strategic step to deepen economic ties between Dubai and South Africa.
The move comes under the umbrella of the Dubai Global initiative and aims to accelerate bilateral trade and investment flows between the two regions. The office will serve as a key platform to support South African businesses looking to expand through Dubai’s global network.
The launch was formalised during a ceremony held at Dubai Chambers’ headquarters and attended by Alan Winde, Premier of South Africa’s Western Cape Province, alongside a delegation of senior officials. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, described South Africa as a vital partner with strong growth potential.
“The new office in Cape Town reflects our commitment to deepening economic cooperation and helping South African companies use Dubai as a launchpad into global markets,”
he said.
Winde welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in driving economic development and job creation in the Western Cape.
“We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,”
he said.
The launch comes amid rising trade between the two markets. In 2024, non-oil bilateral trade reached approximately AED29 billion, up 20% from the previous year. Membership of South African companies in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce also grew by nearly 24%, reaching 775 firms by the end of 2024, with 51 more joining in Q1 2025.
The new office is expected to further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global trade hub while creating fresh opportunities for businesses across both regions.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
