Dubai dreams of becoming a hub for international associations, have walked one more step in this direction. Last week, international groups have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Associative Dubai Center (DAC).
The agreement allows this center, based at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), to support the creation of international associations and trade bodies in the United Arabian Emirates. Once there established, organizations will have access to one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which is the UAE and the Gulf markets, largely unexplored, as well as the entire region of the Middle Eastern economies.
The DAC is a joint initiative of Dubai’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Department of Tourism. The center will be a formal space so associations can create a community based on the association or regional representation offices, said Hamad Buamim, President & CEO DAC.
“Dubai is an international center for large events, exhibitions and conferences and a gateway to Africa, Middle East and Asia,” Hamad said.
Associations based on the DAC may request residency permits for their employees, open a local bank account and provide services and products for the regional market. H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, general director of Dubai’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the World Trade Centre, concluded that “our goal is to ensure that doing business in Dubai is as easy as possible. This center promises to offer a professional and supportive environment in which associations from around the world can establish their bases.”
