Dubai International Chamber announced that it attracted 143 international companies to Dubai in the first half of 2025, a sharp increase of 138 percent compared to the 60 companies recorded during the same period last year.
The new entrants include 31 multinational corporations (MNCs), more than double the 13 that joined in H1 2024, and 112 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), up from 47 in the same period last year. According to the chamber, this performance reflects its growing role in supporting foreign direct investment (FDI) and cementing Dubai’s standing as a global hub for business expansion.
“We are making strong and steady progress in consolidating Dubai’s position as the global destination of choice for foreign direct investment and a launchpad for companies targeting international growth,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai International Chamber. He highlighted Dubai’s combination of world-class infrastructure, pro-business regulation, and strategic location as key drivers of the momentum.
In addition to company attraction, the chamber has been expanding its global footprint. During the first six months of 2025, it opened five new international representative offices in Dhaka, Cape Town, Bengaluru, Bangkok and Toronto. These are part of the broader Dubai Global initiative, which targets 50 international offices by 2030 across 30 priority markets.
The chamber reported that its network of international offices organized 247 business roundtables during the first half of the year, aimed at strengthening trade and investment flows and connecting Dubai-based businesses with global partners. This activity underscores the dual role of the chamber’s network, bringing new investors into Dubai while also enabling local companies to expand into international markets.
As global competition for investment intensifies, Dubai’s results signal growing confidence among multinational and SME investors alike. With a clear policy framework, expanding international ties, and an active pipeline of new companies, the emirate continues to position itself as a launchpad for international growth opportunities.
