Ease of doing business, security and location are the top advantages of doing business in Dubai, according to foreign investors polled during a recent webinar organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During the webinar titled, Benefits of Doing Business in Dubai, 51% of participants said they were keen on investing in Dubai due to the emirate's conducive business environment, followed by safety and security (39%), strategic location (32%) and new business incentives and stimulus measures (27%). Food & beverage, manufacturing and tourism & hospitality were identified as Dubai's key sectors of interest for foreign businessmen, drawing the interest of 32%, 9% and 6% of respondents, respectively. The event was part of a webinar series hosted by Dubai Chambers representative offices in Africa in cooperation with Bizzmosis. The virtual event attracted the participation of more than 100 business leaders from 32 countries across the GCC, Africa and Eurasia. Presentations provided an overview of Dubai's economy, business environment and competitive advantages, and highlighted the different types of free zones and trade licenses available to foreign companies, underlining the emirate's strategic location offering easy access to surrounding markets across the Middle East and Asia. The event featured a strong line-up of speakers who shared their insights on business opportunities emerging within Dubai's commodities trading, hospitality, fashion, manufacturing and agri-business sectors. Speakers included Omar Khan, Director of International Offices, Dubai Chamber; Marianna Bulbuc, CEO and Founder of Bizzmosis; Zemedeneh Negatu, Global Chairman, Fairfax Africa Fund, LLC; and Norvan Acquah-Hayford, Public Relations Manager, Ghana Link Network Services. Omar Khan, director of international offices at Dubai Chamber, said the webinar provided an ideal opportunity for foreign investors and business owners to learn about attractive business opportunities opening up in the Dubai market, adding that the event explored new ways that UAE companies and their global counterparts can expand their cooperation in a post-COVID-19 world. "As many countries around the world face disruptions in supply chains and other challenges due to the impact of COVID-19, many companies are looking for reliable trading partners and markets like Dubai that can allow them to expand their global footprint," said Khan, adding that the results of Dubai Chamber poll reflects growing confidence in Dubai among foreign investors. — SG
