Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Mashreq hold open dialogue with private sector leaders

Dubai: Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recently organised an interactive open dialogue in collaboration with Mashreq, with the participation of 82 representatives from the private sector. The session focused on the business community’s most pressing banking needs, while showcasing the financing solutions and advanced services offered by the bank to support companies and strengthen their resilience amid evolving economic conditions. The event forms part of a series of interactive dialogues organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with leading financial institutions. The initiative aims to align banking products and services with the needs of companies, while helping businesses sustain growth and navigate change with confidence. The session was attended by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; Joel Van Dusen, Group Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Mashreq; Fernando Morillo, Group Head of the Retail Banking Group; Roy Sebastian, Group Chief Credit Officer; along with business leaders from Mashreq. It featured in-depth discussions on the financing challenges facing businesses and their evolving banking needs. The dialogue focused on practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen financial resilience, underscoring the critical role of the banking sector in supporting the business community amid a rapidly changing global environment. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah said: “Protecting the interests of the business community and supporting the competitiveness of the private sector remain among our top priorities. We are committed to strengthening the foundations of Dubai’s business ecosystem to support companies operating in the emirate and ensure their growth and continuity amid evolving circumstances, further reinforcing Dubai’s position among the world’s leading centres for trade and investment.” Joel Van Dusen commented: “At Mashreq, our strategy focuses on going beyond traditional banking. We concentrate on being a trusted strategic partner to our clients, with the aim of supporting them in achieving resilient, sustainable growth. By combining innovative banking solutions with tailored financing capabilities, we help businesses address their evolving needs, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness. This is even more important as we support our clients through challenging times. Our participation in this dialogue, in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, reflects our shared commitment to supporting the UAE economy, strengthening private sector resilience and supporting businesses as they navigate today’s dynamic economic environment.” During the event, Mashreq’s business banking team outlined the bank’s integrated range of financial solutions for companies, with a focus on the tools and support available to help businesses navigate current global challenges. The discussions also addressed the financing priorities of different sectors, highlighting the importance of flexible funding tools and innovative banking options that help companies adapt, maintain business continuity and strengthen private sector resilience. Fernando Morillo said: “Our commitment is to provide businesses with intuitive, streamlined financial tools that support their growth. We engage closely with our business banking clients through diversified channels, including forums and interactive sessions, which allows us to exchange perspectives and respond more effectively to real business challenges. By joining forces with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, we are strengthening collaboration across the ecosystem and creating an environment where businesses can adapt with confidence. This approach underpins our focus on delivering tailored, forward-looking banking solutions that enhance operational agility and strengthen financial resilience.” The session forms part of a wider series of events organised by Dubai Chambers with private sector stakeholders to assess current business conditions, anticipate the future outlook and strengthen strategies to support the readiness of all sectors in responding to global developments. Through these engagements, Dubai Chambers continues to work closely with the business community to understand evolving needs, support companies more effectively and enhance their competitiveness and operational performance.