Dubai launched ‘Dubai Association Center’, an organization that will offer assistance for the establishment of International non-profit, professional associations and trade bodies in Dubai.

Once established in Dubai, the associations will have access to the UAE and GCC markets, as well those in the wider Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The center will allow for a formal environment where associations can form a membership-based community or open a regional representative office to conduct business in the UAE and beyond.

The center will also offer a professional and supportive environment in which worldwide associations can base their headquarters.

The Dubai Association Center (DAC) is a joint initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai World Trade Center (DTWC).

Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber, and Helal Saeed Al-Marri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and head of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), signed the MoU in this regard and agreed to collaborate to define and establish a platform in Dubai for international professional and business associations to operate from the Emirate and to cater to the region and beyond.

As Dubai’s international profile grows following the World Expo 2020 win, a number of international organizations and associations have come together in the emirate to meet, exchange knowledge and network.

A DAC license enables associations to open an office at the DWTC’s Sheikh Rashid Tower and enjoy use of the complex’s numerous facilities.

Also, associations established within DAC will be entitled to apply for residency visas for their employees; can open a local bank account; and will be able to offer services and products to the constantly developing regional market.

They will also be invited to attend monthly networking events and will have access to key government stakeholders through the three founding organizations.

“We offer easy access to many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. The associations will benefit from economies of scale, experience in the association marketplace, flexibility and adaptability, increased buying power and centralized facilities at the center,” said Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber.

“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,” said Helal Saeed Al-Marri, director general, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and head of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC).