The “New Horizons” initiative, led by Dubai Chamber of Commerce, has expanded its reach to 27 international markets, with a strong focus on Asia and Africa, as part of efforts to help Dubai-based businesses access promising global opportunities and strengthen their international presence.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah said the initiative has delivered significant results, facilitating more than 6,000 business meetings between companies from Dubai and international partners by the end of 2025. He explained that these engagements have created new pathways for exports and investments while enhancing cooperation with chambers of commerce and relevant institutions worldwide.
Lootah noted that Dubai Chambers remains committed to strengthening the programme by creating direct communication and networking channels between its members and global markets.
Introduced in 2023, the “New Horizons” initiative supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and complements the “Dubai Global” initiative, which is designed to help local companies identify and expand into 30 key international markets.
Lootah highlighted Ethiopia as a strategic market, revealing that trade between Dubai and Ethiopia grew significantly from US$454 million in 2013 to nearly US$6.1 billion in 2025, demonstrating the growing importance and potential of the Ethiopian economy.
He also attributed the initiative’s success to the strong reputation, competitiveness, and international confidence associated with companies operating from Dubai.
In addition, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce recorded its highest-ever export and re-export figures in 2025, with the value of member trade reaching AED356.5 billion, up from AED309.6 billion in 2024, representing annual growth of 15.1 per cent.
