The second UAE-Iraq Business Forum commenced yesterday at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, aiming to strengthen trade ties between the two nations. This event was organized by the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce. The forum was held alongside the visit of the Iraqi trade delegation to the UAE from May 1 to 2.

H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Vice Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), delivered a welcome address. He underscored the commitment of various chambers of commerce, private sector representatives, and companies to bolster trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and Iraq. Al Owais also pointed out the significance of the “Ma’an (Together)” initiative, which facilitates business connectivity and investment flows between the two countries.

Dr. Muzaffar Mustafa Al-Jubouri, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the UAE, acknowledged the strong relations and cooperation shared between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of enhancing economic partnerships and expanding trade and investment opportunities to support sustainable development and economic prosperity in Iraq. Al-Jubouri commended the UAE’s advanced economic environment as a crucial factor for supporting Iraq’s development initiatives.

During the forum, Dr. Khalifa Al Raisi, representing the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented an overview titled “Invest in the UAE – Invest in the Future.” This presentation detailed the key investment incentives and advantages available in the UAE, highlighting the robust legal and regulatory framework and the nation’s ongoing diversification efforts across non-oil sectors.

The event saw participation from over 170 leading companies from both the UAE and Iraq, resulting in more than 250 business-to-business meetings across various sectors, including real estate, construction, tourism and hospitality, energy and renewables, logistics, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. The UAE-Iraq Business Council also held its inaugural official meeting, co-chaired by Humaid Mohamed Ben Salem, Secretary General of the Federation of UAE Chambers, and Ahmed Waleed Ahmed representing the Iraqi side. Ben Salem expressed pride in this significant gathering of over 45 entrepreneurs and business leaders from both nations.