Benefits of key Dubai trade hub pitched to Greater Birmingham firms

Greater Birmingham businesses heard how easily they could set up a base in one of Dubai’s most lucrative trading zones, as a delegation from the Gulf state visited the city.

Officials from the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) described the zone as a “small city within a city”.

They told firms DAFZ offered major benefits for those looking to trade across the Gulf region, including tax efficiencies and favourable terms on currency or employment.

The event was hosted by the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce at its headquarters at 54 Hagley Road, in partnership with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce.

It formed part of the DAFZ UK Roadshow, which is taking the Dubai delegation to Birmingham, Manchester, London and Wales.

The government-backed economic hub is home to more than 3,400 companies, 300 warehouses and 217,000 sq m of office space.

The zone contributes 15 per cent of Dubai’s foreign trade.

Gary Hooper, assistant director, sales and business accounts management at DAFZ, described it as “a one-stop shop” for firms looking to use Dubai as a base to manage their business activities in the Gulf region.

The Arab British Chamber of Commerce was represented by interim secretary general and CEO Rita Massoud, head of international trade Mashary Oman, and membership and events manager Rana Abu Saif.

They were joined for talks by Chamber member spanning a range of sectors including fintech, legal, AI and digital, automotive, manufacturing, and shipping and logistics.

Jayne Hume, head of the Global Chamber, said: “The Gulf has become a growth market for West Midlands businesses, and Dubai has firmly established itself as a gateway to the wider region.

“This event was a great opportunity for our members to hear directly from the Dubai Airport Free Zone team about how straightforward it can be to set up there, and the practical benefits it offers businesses looking to expand into new markets.

“Many firms tell us that knowing where to start is one of the biggest barriers to trading overseas. Events like this, delivered with partners such as the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, help break down those barriers and open doors to new opportunities.”

Find out more information about the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce.