Malaysian Firms Urged To Tap Dubai As Gateway To Middle East, Africa -- Dubai Chambers
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies are encouraged to consider Dubai as a gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, supported by the emirate’s strategic location, logistics infrastructure and business-friendly policies, according to Dubai Chambers.
Its Singapore chief representative Malcolm Leoi, who also covers Malaysia and Brunei, said Dubai Chambers could support Malaysian firms seeking to establish a presence in the emirate through market research, introductions to local partners and assistance with administrative processes.
“These (services) include company licensing, opening bank accounts and relocating executives.
“Due to our location at the crossroads of the world, we enjoy unparalleled global connectivity. We are at the heart of the wider Middle East, Africa and Europe region,” he said.
Leoi was speaking at the inaugural Yalla Commerce Global E-Commerce Summit 2026 at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC) here today.
Leoi said Dubai International Airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1 per cent year-on-year.
He said that Dubai also retained its position as the world’s leading city for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the first half of 2025, attracting an estimated US$11 billion (US$1=RM4.07) in FDI capital.
Leoi said foreign investors can own 100 per cent of companies across most business activities, while companies may establish operations on the Dubai mainland or within specialised free zones.
“Under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate aims to double the size of its economy by 2033, raise its foreign trade over the decade and add key trading partners.
“Southeast Asia would play an important role in achieving those ambitions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yalla Commerce chief executive officer Arfa Hussain said the company sees potential for a digital commerce corridor between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
She said the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed last year, had provided a stronger foundation for commercial relations between the two countries.
“Our role at Yalla Commerce is to help translate that momentum into real business.
“Malaysia’s mature e-commerce ecosystem and strategic position at the heart of ASEAN complemented the UAE’s role as an internationally connected commercial centre,” she said.
Supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the summit brings together over 1,000 participants, 40 partners and 20 speakers to discuss Malaysian businesses’ entry into the UAE and wider Gulf markets.
-- BERNAMA