The Dubai Chamber of Commerce successfully orchestrated 166 bilateral business meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 26, 2025, during a high-profile trade mission under its ‘New Horizons’ initiative. This targeted engagement aimed to boost trade and investment cooperation between Dubai-based companies and their Malaysian counterparts, spotlighting Dubai’s strategic role as a global business conduit and accelerating the international expansion of local enterprises.
Fostering International Expansion
The trade delegation comprised representatives from 20 diverse Dubai-based companies spanning vital sectors such as ICT, food and beverages, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, retail, tourism, beauty, construction, engineering, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) trading. These meetings served as a crucial platform for networking and forging actionable partnerships between firms from both nations.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the mission, Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, affirmed the institution’s commitment to deepening commercial engagement with high-potential global markets like Malaysia. “This mission is a substantial step in opening new avenues for our local companies to expand internationally and cultivate collaborations that will accelerate non-oil trade growth, thereby solidifying Dubai’s status as a premier global business hub,” AlShamsi stated.
Business Forum Bolsters Collaboration
Complementing the bilateral meetings, the Dubai Chamber organized a business forum titled ‘Doing Business with Malaysia’ in Kuala Lumpur. Supported by the UAE Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, the event attracted 240 key officials, business leaders, and Malaysian firms keen on exploring joint ventures with the UAE delegation.
The forum featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Mubarak Saeed Aldhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Malaysia; NCCIM President Dato’ Seri N. Gobalakrishnan; and Dr. Sugumari Shanmugam from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment.
A significant outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Chambers and the NCCIM. This agreement is designed to enhance bilateral trade relations, strengthen cooperation between the respective business communities, and streamline the organization of future trade missions and business events.
Economic Momentum and Opportunities
The foundations for this increased cooperation are robust, evidenced by significant trade figures. Non-oil trade between Dubai and Malaysia surpassed AED 17.8 billion in 2024, representing an impressive 20% annual growth. Furthermore, the presence of Malaysian businesses in Dubai is expanding rapidly; 73 new Malaysian companies registered with the Dubai Chamber during the first nine months of 2025, bringing the total active membership to 318 by September.
Presentations during the forum emphasized Dubai’s competitive advantages—its strategic location and robust infrastructure—positioning it as an ideal gateway for Malaysian entities seeking regional expansion. Conversely, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority detailed key investment sectors in Malaysia appealing to Dubai-based investors, including:
- Transport and warehousing
- Real estate and hospitality
- Plastics manufacturing
- Business services
- Healthcare
The Dubai Chamber also identified specific, high-potential products for export from Dubai to Malaysia, such as chemicals, aircraft and spacecraft components, turbo-jets, plastics, various metals (copper, iron, nickel), and food items including coffee, tea, and dairy products. These insights provide actionable intelligence for companies looking to capitalize on the strengthening commercial corridor between the two markets. The successful mission underscores Dubai’s proactive strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its global footprint through strategic international partnerships.