DMCC sees 13% growth in companies from Singapore

DMCC has announced growth of 13 per cent of companies from Singapore joining its international business district in the past 12 months.

The figures were revealed during DMCC’s first-ever roadshow on the ground in Singapore as part of its efforts to attract Singaporean business to Dubai. DMCC is now home to over half of the estimated total Singaporean businesses operating in the UAE.

DMCC signed a partnership agreement with Hawksford, the international business services provider, to streamline company setup in DMCC’s district.

Hawksford will provide advisory and registration, accounting and tax support to businesses, attracting new companies to DMCC.

Singapore represents one of DMCC’s strategic target markets, with a range of opportunities across tech, commodities and trade underpinned by a deepening relationship as Singaporean firms seek efficiencies through Dubai.

With nearly 400 Singaporean companies now registered in DMCC, the business district is rapidly expanding its status as a critical gateway for businesses from Southeast Asia looking to grow internationally.

The event saw senior DMCC executives engage directly with over 100 Singaporean business leaders, providing tailored insights into how Dubai can serve as a launchpad for international growth and investment diversification.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said, “Our first in-person Made For Trade Live roadshow in Singapore comes at a time of accelerating cooperation between our two nations, with bilateral trade reaching $18.7 billion last year.”

Tommaso Barindelli, Head of Business Development at Hawksford Dubai, stated, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for our firm and a valuable opportunity for our current and future clients.”

DMCC is currently home to over 25,000 companies from 180 countries, covering every sector and industry. The district contributes 15 per cent of Dubai’s annual FDI inflows and 7 per cent of Dubai’s GDP.

Meanwhile last month DMCC, the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, has announced that over 260 Indian companies joined its international business district in the past 12 months, bringing the total number operating from its international business district to just shy of 4,000.

The announcement came as part of DMCC’s roadshow in India this week, featuring two major forums in the business hubs of Mumbai and Hyderabad. Increasing by 7 per cent year-on-year, Indian businesses now account for 16 per cent of DMCC’s total member base.

With bilateral UAE-India trade reaching over $85 billion in 2024, DMCC highlighted the significant impact of deepening relations on the regional trade landscape that has been catalysed by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.

DMCC called on Indian businesses to leverage the momentum brought by the CEPA as it sought to attract the next wave of Indian companies to Dubai.

The two events convened business leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities through DMCC, showcasing Dubai as a strategic platform for Indian businesses seeking global expansion.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said, “The UAE-India relationship is entering a defining new phase, underscored by the recent historic visit of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, to India. With bilateral trade now exceeding $85 billion, this next chapter will be defined by rapid expansion across strategic sectors – including investment, services, infrastructure, technology and food security – as we build out a new model for inter-regional collaboration and commercial opportunities.”

He added, “As our trade partnership deepens, we will continue to expand the value offering of our ecosystems aligned to India’s strengths in physical commodities, high-value services, and next-gen technologies, as we reinforce DMCC’s status as the hub of choice for the Indian business community in Dubai.”

Held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the events highlighted the potential for Indian businesses to simplify their operations and supply chains, and tap into some of the world’s fastest growing markets.

This latest visit to India forms part of DMCC’s global Made For Trade Live roadshow programme, in which it visits key markets across the world that present opportunities for deeper collaboration.

With over 25,000 member companies and contributing 15 per cent to Dubai’s annual FDI, DMCC is one of the most important business hubs for international growth and cross-sector innovation.