Association Centre launched

Dubai took yet another step forward in cementing its reputation as the region’s leading commercial hub today with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the Dubai Association Centre (DAC).

Under the agreement, DAC will offer assistance for the establishment of international non-profit, professional associations and trade bodies in Dubai. Once established, the associations will have access to the UAE and GCC markets, as well those in the wider Middle East, Africa and Asia.

A decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in November 2012, empowered Dubai Chamber to support non-profit and non-governmental authorities, business associations, societies and organisations seeking to open offices in Dubai and to expand their activities into the region using the Emirate as a base.

The Dubai Association Centre (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 Centre (DTWC).

Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber, and Helal Saeed Al Marri, who is Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and head of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), signed the MoU today 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 organisations and associations have come together in the Emirate to meet, exchange knowledge and network.

The Dubai Association Centre 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, said Buamim.

He said: “Dubai today is an international centre for hosting major global events, exhibitions and conferences and is the world’s next door neighbour at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. 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 centralised facilities at the centre.”

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and head of Dubai World Trade Centre, said “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. This centre promises to offer a professional and supportive environment in which worldwide associations can base their headquarters. DAC will foster the development of scientific knowledge and professional education in the Emirate”

Establishing an association within DAC provides an array of benefits and enables access to a relatively untapped market for international associations. A DAC licence 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 organisations.

 

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