Image Credit : Dubai Chambers
Dubai Chambers has expanded its global footprint with the opening of its first office in New York City, a move aimed at strengthening economic and investment ties between the UAE and the United States. The announcement was made during the Dubai Business Forum–USA, reflecting Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a key link between global markets.
The new office comes at a time when Dubai is preparing to unlock more than USD 1.4 trillion in planned investments across emerging sectors. Positioned in one of the world’s most influential business hubs, the New York presence will connect American companies with opportunities in Dubai, while helping UAE businesses access the wider US market.
Speaking to Khaleej Times at the forum, Eng Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said the expansion represents a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
“The Dubai International Chamber office in New York will be one of three chambers under Dubai Chambers,” he said. “New York is not just America’s financial capital, it’s a global one.”
He noted that the city’s concentration of multinational firms and proximity to major markets such as Canada and Mexico made it the natural choice. “The US has a USD 30 trillion economy. It’s one of the most attractive markets in the world. This office will help companies better understand the potential of doing business in Dubai and give us a direct access point to investors here,” he added.
Increasing US interest in Dubai
American businesses are already showing growing confidence in Dubai. Between January and September 2025, 787 new US companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, bringing the total number of active American members to 3,690.
Dubai’s strong appeal is backed by its performance as a global investment hub. The emirate attracted USD 14.2 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, ranking among the top global destinations for new projects. For US firms, Dubai offers a combination of zero personal income tax, strong air connectivity, and high-growth sectors including fintech, clean energy, and digital innovation.
Al Mansoori said the New York office will play a central role in accelerating partnerships in these sectors. “Dubai has the right environment — talent, capital, and flexibility — for US companies to innovate, test new ideas, and scale globally,” he noted.
He highlighted Dubai’s strategic position between South Asia, the Gulf, and Africa as a key advantage. “We have the right formula: skilled people to create ideas, investment capability, and the freedom to test solutions. This is what makes Dubai a launchpad for the future.”
Beyond technology, he pointed to infrastructure, oil, and gas as areas where collaboration with North American companies could expand.
AI: A major pillar of future cooperation
Artificial intelligence is expected to be a defining area in UAE–US economic ties. Al Mansoori reiterated Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in AI adoption.
“Our goal is to be the capital of AI,” he said. He referenced major projects, such as Dubai’s airport expansion targeting a 260-million passenger capacity, as examples of where AI will drive significant transformation. “The aim is to complete the passenger journey in 20 minutes. That requires redesigning everything from immigration to logistics, and AI is central to that shift.”
He also pointed to DP World’s BoxBay automated system as a real-world example of Dubai already integrating AI to increase efficiency. “We are small in numbers, so we can adapt fast. We don’t face the employment hurdles that slow AI adoption in many countries,” he added.
A competitive and business-friendly landscape
Asked about incentives for American investors, Al Mansoori said Dubai’s value proposition is already clear.
“Investors get 100 percent ownership, a low 9 percent corporate tax, and an environment defined by safety, stability, and strong regulation,” he said. “But what really sets us apart is that we listen. Our leadership constantly asks what more can be done.”
He added that Dubai is pushing ahead in emerging fields like AI regulation, cryptocurrency, and digital finance. “We are not afraid to face challenges. We want to solve problems in ways that others may later follow.”
Looking to the future
Reflecting on 50 years of UAE–US relations, Al Mansoori said the partnership is entering one of its strongest phases. “The US will continue to be one of the world’s most powerful economies, and we see more trade and cooperation ahead, especially in technology.”
He noted that many of Dubai’s early development milestones were inspired by Emiratis who studied in American universities and brought back new ideas. “Much of what you see in Dubai today came from that generation,” he said.
With deepening trade, rising investments, and alignment across emerging industries, he believes the outlook is exceptionally positive. “There is another USD 1.4 trillion in investments planned. The future of UAE–US cooperation is bright, and I’m very optimistic about where this relationship is heading.”
