The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) envisions Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, as the no. 1 choice for business and talent in the Middle East and North Africa region. Rooted in this ambitious goal, ADCCI recently unveiled a new roadmap, which coincided with the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week. The roadmap outlines a comprehensive approach to innovation and market expansion, among other key pillars, serving as a strong foundation for advancing the Falcon Economy.
In this interview, H.E. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, second vice chairman of ADCCI, dives deep into the roadmap’s aim of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) family businesses and fostering global growth.
ADCCI recently unveiled a strategic new roadmap. Can you elaborate on the key priorities and how they directly contribute to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic goals?
The ADCCI roadmap reflects a deep dive into the evolving needs of the Abu Dhabi business landscape. It’s the culmination of extensive dialogue with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
Anchored by five core pillars, each plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainability, and resilience: Policy Advocacy, Market Intelligence, Ecosystem Building, the Innovation Agenda, and Market Expansion. Together, these five pillars form a cohesive strategy to empower a prosperous, flexible, and diversified business ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in Abu Dhabi.
This roadmap aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic goals by fostering a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy. It provides the foundation for accelerating the Falcon Economy. It empowers the private sector to drive growth, diversify economic output, and foster a wave of innovation, propelling Abu Dhabi toward its ambitious plans.
How does ADCCI’s roadmap aim to enhance the ease of doing business and reduce barriers to access capital for SMEs?
The ADCCI roadmap prioritizes creating a more conducive business environment for SMEs. Under the Policy Advocacy pillar, we are actively engaged in streamlining business processes. This involves collaborating closely with government entities to simplify licensing procedures, facilitate access to funding, enhance the overall regulatory framework, and advocate for policies that encourage innovation. Furthermore, we are actively exploring new markets for Abu Dhabi-based SMEs, both domestically and internationally.
Recognizing the importance of human capital development, the roadmap includes initiatives to enhance the capabilities of young entrepreneurs and women in business. Moreover, by providing access to training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding, we aim to empower the next generation of business leaders and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic SME ecosystem.
What was the vision behind the establishment of the Family Business Council, and how will it contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of family businesses in Abu Dhabi?
Family businesses form the economic backbone of the UAE, contributing significantly to non-oil GDP (~60 percent) and employing a vast majority of the private sector workforce (~80 percent).
Recognizing their critical role, we have established the Family Business Council to safeguard the prosperity and ensure the enduring legacy of family-owned enterprises across generations.
The Council further serves as a strategic partner, equipping family businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global landscape. Through comprehensive guidance in governance, competitiveness, and market access, we empower family businesses to excel both locally and internationally, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international business and investment destination.
What measures are being taken to enhance the export capabilities of SMEs, particularly in priority foreign markets?
The ADCCI roadmap prioritizes enhancing the export capabilities of SMEs through two key pillars: Market Intelligence and Market Expansion. Market Intelligence further provides businesses with access to in-depth market research, competitive analyses, and actionable insights to navigate the complexities of global markets effectively and empower informed decision-making.
Complementing this, the Market Expansion pillar focuses on facilitating access to international markets, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating cross-border trade. This involves initiatives such as organizing targeted trade missions to priority foreign markets, participating in international exhibitions, and fostering strategic partnerships with international trade organizations. By strengthening these pillars, the ADCCI aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for trade and investment, empowering SMEs to successfully compete on the international stage and contribute significantly to the Emirate’s economic growth.
Could you highlight some of the key initiatives aimed at bridging opportunities between the private sector and government, and how these initiatives will be implemented?
The ADCCI places significant emphasis on strengthening partnerships between the government and private sectors. Additionally, to bridge these opportunities, we are implementing several key initiatives, including facilitating connections between private sector companies and government entities through targeted matchmaking events, networking forums, and online platforms.
We actively engage with government entities to advocate for policies that support business growth, streamline regulations, and create a more conducive business environment. Furthermore, we facilitate market access for businesses through initiatives, such as organizing targeted trade missions to priority foreign markets, taking part in international exhibitions, and nurturing partnerships with international trade organizations. Moreover, by serving as a bridge through its Policy Advocacy pillar, the Chamber facilitates dialogue, aligns public and private sector goals, and ensures policies are conducive to mutual growth, fostering a harmonious and collaborative economic environment.
What advocacy strategies will ADCCI implement to elevate the private sector’s voice in policy-making?
The strategic initiatives of ADCCI provide a dynamic platform to foster meaningful communication between private sector companies and government agencies, supporting them in achieving their ambitions and aspirations. This further includes conducting in-depth policy research, organizing stakeholder consultations, and providing constructive feedback on proposed legislation. Through regular meetings, workshops, and discussions, they have the opportunity to play a primary role in developing the legislative and regulatory frameworks for the key economic sectors in Abu Dhabi.
