Dubai International Chamber Expands Presence in Bangkok
On May 31, 2025, the Dubai International Chamber marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its 36th international representative office in Bangkok. This strategic move reflects a deepening commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and strategic collaboration between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand.
The "New Horizons" Initiative
The Bangkok office is part of the "New Horizons" initiative, designed to catalyze the global expansion of Dubai-based companies. This initiative aims to facilitate the capitalisation of new opportunities in various international markets. The chamber’s efforts align with the ambitious "Dubai Global" scheme, which envisions opening 50 overseas offices by 2030, thereby solidifying Dubai’s status as a premier global business hub.
Importance of Thailand
At the "Doing Business with Thailand" forum held on the same day, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, the president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, underscored Thailand’s crucial role in the Southeast Asian economic landscape. He referred to the country as a cornerstone of the region, noting its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit as key factors that provide a plethora of opportunities for Dubai’s businesses and investors.
Bangkok, serving as a strategic outpost, aims to assist Thai businesses in expanding their presence in Dubai and across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The office is poised to offer a wide range of services, including market intelligence, business matchmaking, regulatory guidance, and facilitation of partnerships.
Investment Opportunities
Lootah highlighted the untapped investment potential across both traditional and emerging sectors. Thai investors are encouraged to delve into various industries, such as hotels, food and beverage, retail, logistics, wholesale trading, and blockchain technology. He also pointed out that new sectors, particularly data centers, are expected to create significant business opportunities.
Conversely, Dubai-based companies are actively exploring opportunities in Thailand’s renewable energy, freight and distribution services, medical tourism, and advertising and public relations sectors. This reciprocal interest promises to enhance bilateral engagements and foster economic growth for both nations.
Trade Relations
Last year, the value of two-way trade between Thailand and the UAE reached an impressive $20 billion. Non-oil trade alone surged by 23.3% year-on-year, amounting to $6.5 billion in 2024. Thailand’s key exports to the UAE included automobiles, electronic goods, food products (especially rice, sugar, and processed seafood), and machinery. On the flip side, Thailand’s imports from the UAE largely consisted of petroleum products, aluminum, plastic resin, and gold.
Future Aspirations
The Dubai International Chamber aims to significantly boost UAE-Thailand bilateral trade to $30 billion in the coming years. This ambitious goal underscores the chamber’s belief in the vast potential that lies within both economies and their ability to collaborate effectively.
The inauguration of the Dubai International Chamber’s office in Bangkok not only symbolizes an exciting new chapter for economic cooperation between the UAE and Thailand but also sets the stage for a multitude of opportunities that can benefit businesses and investors in both regions.
