Dubai International Chamber, a prominent member of Dubai Chambers, has taken a bold step to enhance its economic ties with South Africa by inaugurating a new representative office in Cape Town. This move is part of the chamber’s broader strategic initiative, the ‘Dubai Global’ program, which aims to foster deeper business and economic cooperation between Dubai and global markets. The new office is expected to serve as a key platform for boosting bilateral trade, facilitating investments, and strengthening the growing commercial relationship between Dubai and South Africa.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the office, was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape province in South Africa. Premier Winde led a high-level delegation to Cape Town to engage in discussions with Dubai International Chamber officials and explore new business opportunities between the two regions. The event symbolized the deepening partnership between Dubai and South Africa, with a particular focus on trade, tourism, and investments.

A Strategic Move for Economic Cooperation

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, underscored the significance of this new office in Cape Town, emphasizing its role in strengthening economic ties with South Africa. He commented, “South Africa is a strategic economic partner for Dubai and holds vast potential for expanding trade and investments. The launch of our new office in Cape Town reflects our commitment to deepening economic cooperation with the region and supporting South African companies in leveraging Dubai as a gateway to global markets. We look forward to fostering new partnerships that contribute to mutual growth and prosperity.”

Lootah further elaborated that the expansion of Dubai International Chamber’s global network plays a crucial role in Dubai’s ambition to become a leading international business hub. “Our vision is to connect businesses around the world to Dubai’s thriving ecosystem, and Cape Town is an essential link in that strategy. The establishment of this office will create new avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration, benefiting both the Middle East and South Africa,” he added.

Premier Winde, in his remarks, expressed the Western Cape Government’s excitement about the new office. “The Western Cape Government warmly welcomes Dubai International Chamber’s move to set up its new office in Cape Town. To grow our economy and create many more jobs, we must strengthen international partnerships and drive opportunities for our international partners to invest here and grow our economy. Our province has much to offer, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership between our regions,” said Premier Winde.

Growing Bilateral Trade and Investment

The launch of the office comes at a time when Dubai and South Africa have seen a steady rise in bilateral trade. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations reached a significant value of AED 29 billion, representing a robust 20% annual growth. This increase reflects the growing economic interaction between the two regions, driven by Dubai’s strategic position as a global trade hub and South Africa’s strong economic fundamentals.

Dubai’s reputation as a business-friendly city with world-class infrastructure, a tax-efficient environment, and access to international markets has made it an attractive destination for South African companies. In fact, the number of South African companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has surged. Membership from South African businesses grew by 23.8% in 2024, with 775 active members by the end of the year. This momentum continued into 2025, with 51 new companies from South Africa joining the chamber in the first quarter alone, signaling a growing interest in doing business with Dubai.

Dubai International Chamber’s presence in Cape Town is expected to further accelerate this trend. The office will provide a vital link for South African companies seeking to expand into the Middle East, while also supporting Dubai-based businesses looking to tap into the African market. With a focus on trade, tourism, investments, and new partnerships, the Cape Town office will play an instrumental role in supporting both local and international businesses.

The Strategic Importance of Dubai’s Global Network

Dubai International Chamber has been expanding its global network of representative offices to foster international collaborations and promote Dubai as a preferred business destination. These offices, spanning five continents, serve as strategic platforms to support businesses seeking to enter Dubai’s competitive market, while also promoting trade between Dubai and key global regions. The new Cape Town office replaces the chamber’s previous office in Johannesburg, marking a shift to Cape Town to better capitalize on the region’s growing trade and investment potential.

Cape Town is a critical commercial center for South Africa, with its port serving as one of the busiest in Africa and its economy being one of the most diversified on the continent. By opening an office in this dynamic city, Dubai International Chamber seeks to foster deeper engagement with South Africa’s business community and further enhance Dubai’s presence in Africa.

The office in Cape Town is part of the Dubai International Chamber’s broader strategy to extend Dubai’s global influence, attract foreign investment, and solidify the city’s position as a leading business hub. These initiatives align with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and position the city among the top three global cities by 2033.

A Win-Win for Dubai and South Africa

The new Dubai International Chamber office in Cape Town represents a mutually beneficial partnership between Dubai and South Africa, with substantial potential for collaboration in various sectors. Both regions are well-positioned to capitalize on each other’s strengths. Dubai’s role as a global financial, logistics, and trade hub, combined with South Africa’s strategic location at the southern tip of Africa and its well-developed infrastructure, provides ample opportunities for businesses from both sides to expand and thrive.

South African companies will gain easier access to the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through Dubai, while Dubai-based firms will benefit from entering the lucrative African market, which boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. The Western Cape, in particular, offers vast opportunities for Dubai businesses in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, mining, and technology.

Moreover, the Cape Town office is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating tourism and fostering collaboration between the two regions’ tourism industries. Dubai has emerged as a global tourism powerhouse, attracting millions of visitors annually, while South Africa’s tourism sector remains one of the most vibrant on the African continent. Strengthening this sector will be a key focus of the new office’s efforts.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Shared Prosperity

As Dubai continues to grow its economic ties with South Africa and the wider African continent, the Cape Town office will serve as a vital cornerstone of this strategic relationship. The office will focus on providing in-market support for South African companies seeking to expand into Dubai and offering Dubai-based businesses guidance on entering the African market. Through collaborative partnerships, the two regions are poised to unlock a future of shared prosperity, leveraging their strengths to create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth.

With the opening of the Cape Town office, Dubai International Chamber reaffirms its commitment to driving the Dubai Economic Agenda and its role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a global business leader. The new office is not just a physical presence in South Africa but also a symbol of the deepening partnership between two dynamic economies—Dubai and South Africa—poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

Conclusion: A New Era of Economic Cooperation

The new representative office in Cape Town is a clear reflection of the ever-growing trade relations between Dubai and South Africa. It marks a significant step in Dubai’s strategy to expand its global influence while providing South African businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the Middle East and beyond. As both regions continue to build on their solid foundation, the future looks bright for increased collaboration and shared success. With the continued growth of bilateral trade, investment, and tourism, Dubai and South Africa are embarking on an exciting new chapter of economic cooperation and partnership.

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Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

2nd May, 2025