Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The value of Dubai Chamber member exports and re-exports increased by nearly 24 per cent to reach Dhs22.1 billion in March 2021, compared to the same month last year, the organisation has revealed.

During the first quarter of 2021, the value of member exports and re-exports grew by 6.5 percent year-over-year to reach Dhs 54.8 billion, reflecting growing momentum and increased trade activity in Dubai.

A total of 166,759 certificates of origin were issued by the Chamber during the first quarter of this year and March saw a high of 62,235 certificates, reflecting signs of a recovery of the trade sector and enhaced economic competitiveness.

Over 6,000 new member companies joined Dubai Chamber in the first three months of 2021, marking a growth rate of 38.6 percent y-o-y. Membership growth comes after several new initiatives and measures were unveiled over the last year which enhanced Dubai’s value proposition to foreign investors and companies.

In addition, 174,000 electronic transactions were processed by the Chamber in Q1-2021, while the number of ATA Carnets that were issued and received by the Chamber reached 965 over the same period, amounting to Dhs 1.4 billion.

Commenting on the latest figures,  Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the statistics reflect improving business conditions in Dubai and the positive impact of various stimulus packages and business-friendly measures, as well as an advanced logistics infrastructure and increased efforts to boost and diversify the emirte’s foreign trade.

Buamim noted that Dubai Chamber’s 11 international offices play a crucial role in expanding Dubai’s trade links with promsing market saround the world, by identifiying bilateral business opportunities, promoting the emirate as a global business hub, and assisting foreign investors who are keen to enter the market.

Meanwhile, Dubai Chamber‘s Task Force on Green Buildings recently organised a webinar, which examined the impact of Covid-19 on green bulding practices, and highlighted key benefits and improvements related to retrofitting commercial buildings.

Case studies shared by members of the task force demonstrated how companies can implement innovative solutions within their offices to improve the health and wellbeing of employees. Presentations also looked at the future of the retrofitting market in Dubai.

Faisal Rashid, Senior Director Demand Side Management (DSM) at Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, noted that the House of DSM brings together various programmes and entities that implement the government goal to achieve 30% of electricity and water savings by 2030. Retrofitting of buildings is an investment that helps in achieving more efficient buildings that consume less resources, Rashid said, adding that there are policies in place that regulate energy demand.

 Vibhor Bhatnagar, Senior Engineer Energy Sustainability and Technical Services at Serco Middle East, shed the light on several global examples that emphasise the importance of proper social distancing and ventilation in order to eliminate the possibility of virus transmission in buildings.

In a presentation conducted along with Iterum and Intertek, Tim Sephton, Managing Partner at Iterum, Michael Horne, Principal Microbiologist and John Downey, Regional Manager Building Sciences at Intertek, discussed research findings that underlined the importance of maintaining surface hygiene and adequate air quality to make sure Covid-19 transmissions do not occur inside a building.

Utpal Joshi, Regional Consulting Sales Manager at Daikin Middle East, explained the various indoor air quality solutions available to maintain proper ventilation and eliminate transmission of COVID-19 in closed spaces. Utpal focused on the importance of maintained air conditioners in all venues to avoid virus transmission. He also discussed the several general and technical measures implemented at Daikin Middle East offices to ensure the health and wellbeing of employees are kept a priority at all times.

Biyas Baby, Senior Energy Consultant at Farnek, discussed the worker accommodation building, Farnek Village, that was recently established amidst the pandemic and the various challenges faced such as health & safety, shortage of workforce, and delay of shipment. Solutions include performing periodic PCR tests, utilisation of in-house workforce and resources, as well as local sourcing of goods. The building includes several crucial sustainability and health and wellbeing measures such as indoor air quality and ventilation, energy and water-saving technologies, condensate water recovery, sanitisation of the facilities, as well as condensate water recovery.