Dubai Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the Cloud Computing Business Group, connecting companies within the sector to encourage productive dialogue on ways to propel and embed cloud computing services across the various business industries in Dubai.

Commenting on the launch, Maha AlGargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers said, “As one of the most future-ready nations in the world, a cloud-powered advanced digital infrastructure is essential to support Dubai’s goals of fully integrating digital technology into all government operations and plans.

“The setting up of the cloud computing business group is a pillar of this infrastructure as it will encourage transparent conversations between its members, supporting the sector in advocating beneficial policy changes that will in turn enhance its competitiveness.”

One of the business group’s founding members, Miguel Villalonga, CEO of e& enterprise Cloud, stated, “The formation of this business group comes at the right time as cloud computing has become integral to businesses and the overall Dubai economy ecosystem. It will serve as a platform for fruitful discussions between stakeholders in the sector.”

Omid Mahboubi, Founder of Mena Cloud Alliance and co-founder of the Cloud Computing Business Group, said, “I am pleased to be part of the establishment of this business group and look forward to constructive dialogues with peer members on ways and means we can support businesses in the cloud computing sector. This business group will be a catalyst for driving adoption of cloud computing in various organisations across the board.”

The adoption of cloud technologies has allowed businesses in Dubai to become more agile, flexible, and efficient, helping to drive innovation and competitiveness within the local economy. The UAE has consistently outperformed 15 other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region as the most cloud competitive economy.

SMEs and start-ups in the UAE are expected to gain a total of $17.1 billion (Dhs62.6 billion) in economic benefits from hyperscale cloud computing between 2022 and 2030, equivalent to 2.3 per cent of the UAE’s GDP in 2021.

The new Cloud Computing Business Group will focus on promoting the development of cloud computing companies, raising the profile of Dubai’s cloud services sector in the international business community. By providing a forum that facilitates mutual dialogue between the sector stakeholders and government entities, the business group will address policy matters related to the industry, amongst others.

The new business group is part of the chamber’s plans to increase the number of business groups that represent economic sectors and activities in Dubai. They act as representatives and reliable advocates for their respective business sectors and play a crucial role in recommending policy changes to improve a sector’s competitiveness and attractiveness while promoting international best practices and supporting economic growth. Dubai Chamber of Commerce plans to increase the number of economic sectors and activities represented by business groups to 100 by March 2023.

Meanwhile Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC), one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers has announced the launch of a new Fintech & Payments Business Group aimed at bringing together companies of all sizes within the fintech and payments sector to encourage collegial dialogue, advocate policy change and promote the emirate as a highly competitive global commercial centre.

The launch of the new business group is part of the chamber’s plans to increase the number of business groups that represent economic sectors and activities in Dubai, ensuring all industries and economic activities are represented to boost their competitiveness and drive Dubai’s sustainable development.

The new Fintech and Payments Business Group will be instrumental in supporting Dubai companies and providing members with key insights and analysis on trends across the fintech ecosystem to leverage policy and regulatory change recommendations and benefit from new financial technology advancements.

Commenting on the launch of the business group, Maha AlGargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, said: “Business groups are in important component in creating a supportive, enabling and world-class business environment in Dubai. Through continued transparent discussions, the business group will be able to support essential policy changes that will facilitate and improve the ease of doing business in Dubai and cement the emirate’s position as a dynamic and global business hub.

“The new FinTech and Payments Business Group is a great addition to our network of business groups, and we believe it will play a pivotal role in supporting members and the emirate’s private sector to drive FinTech growth and serve as a platform to leverage the vast opportunities in this vital sector.”