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Dubai Chambers and DHL Express have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at supporting the global expansion of Dubai-based companies. The memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday by Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Executive Director of International Relations and Business Development at Dubai Chambers, and Frank Van Der Doef, CEO of DHL Express for the Middle East and Africa, according to a statement from the parties. This collaboration will enable local firms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to access DHL’s extensive global logistics network and specialized services. The agreement focuses on facilitating smoother cross-border operations and market entry strategies for participating businesses.
UAE non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion in the first half of 2026, marking a 13.1 percent year-on-year increase, the UAE Government Media Office reported. Non-oil exports during the period climbed 23.4 percent to a record AED 452.8 billion, according to the same source. SMEs account for 95 percent of all companies in the UAE and contribute 63.5 percent to non-oil GDP, Ministry of Economy and Tourism figures show. This partnership is positioned to further boost such contributions by addressing logistical barriers to international trade.
Participating companies will gain access to tailored logistics solutions, market intelligence and e-commerce support through the DHL network, the statement detailed. Workshops and advisory sessions are planned to help businesses navigate international regulations and optimize their supply chains. DHL Express brings decades of experience in the region with operations in multiple countries and a fleet of dedicated aircraft, company data indicates. The initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global trade hub.
Dubai Chambers has seen its member companies achieve record export values, with AED 356.5 billion registered in 2025, a 15.1 percent increase from the prior year, according to chamber reports. The organisation continues to develop programs that connect local businesses with international opportunities. This latest agreement with DHL Express complements existing efforts to promote export growth and economic diversification. The focus remains on equipping SMEs with the necessary tools for sustainable global expansion.
DHL Express maintains a strong presence in the Middle East with investments exceeding hundreds of millions in infrastructure across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, DHL announcements have stated. Its regional network includes road and air connections that ensure reliable delivery across challenging terrains and geopolitical conditions. Frank Van Der Doef emphasized the value of such partnerships in fostering trade between local economies and global markets, the statement noted.
The development aligns with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda that targets doubling the economy by 2033, government statements have outlined. Trade through Dubai’s integrated economic zones reached AED 246 billion in the first half of 2026, up 17 percent, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority reported. Such collaborations are expected to play a key role in sustaining this growth trajectory by supporting more companies in their international ventures.
