Centre makes Dubai a ‘gateway’ for international associations

Dubai’s dream of becoming a hub for international associations came a step closer to reality when various groups signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Dubai Association Centre (DAC).The agreement allows the centre, based at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), to support the establishment of international associations and trade bodies in the emirate.

Once established there, associations will have access to some of the fastest growing economies in the world in the largely untapped UAE and gulf markets, and the wider Middle East region.

DAC is a joint initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and DWTC, developed over the last 12 months,

The centre will be a ‘formal space’ for associations to form a membership-based community or open a regional representative office, said Hamad Buamim, president & CEO of the Dubai Chamber.

“Dubai is an international centre for hosting major global events, exhibitions and conferences and is the world’s next door neighbour at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia,” he said.

“The associations will benefit from economies of scale, experience in the association marketplace, flexibility and adaptability, increased buying power and centralised facilities at the centre.”

Associations based at the DAC will be able to apply for residency visas for their employees, open a local bank account and offer services and products to the developing regional market.

H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and head of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “It is our aim to ensure that doing business in Dubai is made as easy as possible and to grow Dubai into an international hub for associations. This centre promises to offer a professional and supportive environment in which worldwide associations can base their headquarters.”

A decree issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE VP and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in November 2012, allowed the chamber to support non-governmental authorities,associations, societies and organisations seeking to open offices in Dubai.

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