Chamber discusses ways to shape landscape for future Gig Economy

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has organised a high-level Gig Economy Industry Workshop, designed to bring key players, investors and related parties together to discuss the future of this nascent sector.

The workshop, held at Dubai Chambers headquarters, included a lively roundtable session, where attendees discussed four main topics – regulations, funding, talent and infrastructure – with a chance to discuss their ideas, challenges and opportunities.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, stated that: “The UAE government keen to ensure business keeps abreast of the ever-evolving market and the Gig Economy as an essential part of the digital economy ecosystem we are developing and building in the UAE.

He added: “Some 50 per cent of global freelance workers today are providing skilled work like computer programming, counselling, IT work and marketing. I am sure we will follow this exponential growth right here in the UAE. The Gig Economy seems to be growing every day, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global destination for talent, expertise and competence.”

“Talent is crucial, and the Gig Economy needs skilled people for it to ensure sustainable growth as well as collaborating with the private sector to design a roadmap to enhance the sector’s growth and competitiveness,” he added.

Held at the Dubai Chambers headquarters, the workshop is part of a series of similar workshop events Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy conducts on a regular basis. The aim is to bring together industry leaders to connect and share insights into current and future trends impacting a specific digital industry sector, in addition to the various ways of support the Chamber offers to foster partnerships and solutions that drive the private sector’s growth in the digital era.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has recently released a report detailing plans to develop the emirate’s digital economy.

The report projects the national digital economy will reach $140bn in 2031 from $38bn today, reported state news agency WAM.

The study highlights the importance of the chamber’s efforts and collaboration with stakeholders to establish Dubai as the next digital economy capital of the world. It outlines Dubai’s digital economy startups and the emirate’s position as a future digital capital.

The chamber’s plans include attracting 300 digital startups and 100 tech experts to Dubai by 2024, improving laws and policies, organising a conference, promoting digital transformation, and enhancing the business environment to attract global digital firms.

Omar Sultan Al Olama said the goal of doubling the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s GDP from 9.7 per cent to over 20 per cent by 2031 reflects Dubai’s ambition to be a key tech hub, according to WAM.

He emphasised the importance of building a world-class digital infrastructure and supporting the dynamic startup ecosystem to drive digital transformation and sustainable business growth.

Al Olama also stressed the importance of raising awareness about challenges and future trends and highlighting the role of digital transformation in driving sustainable business growth.

Last week, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has announced the launch of four business groups within the construction sector namely, building materials business group, cement & ready-mix business group, ceramics business group and paint coating & gypsum business group.

Commenting on the launch of these business groups, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: “I am pleased to announce the launch of these business groups as they are important components of Dubai’s vibrant construction sector. There has been a rebound in the construction sector since 2021, driven particularl Dubai Chamber of Commerce announced that the new groups are Building Materials Business Group, Cement & Ready-Mix Business Group, Ceramics Business group and Paint Coating & Gypsum Business Group.

y by residential construction projects. The UAE’s construction market size has been valued at $81 billion in 2021 and it is projected to grow at an average annual growth rate of more than three per cent from 2023 to 2026.”

“Our role at Dubai Chambers is to support the various economic sectors in the emirate including construction. Building materials, cement and ready-mix products, ceramic products as well as paint and gypsum products are all cornerstones of the construction sector. The setting up of these four business groups will encourage transparent conversations between their members, boosting the positive trajectory the construction sector is already in.”