՛՛Armenian First News and Analyses՛՛ Interview with Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers
-The Dubai Chamber of Commerce is known not only for its active efforts to attract investments into the Emirate’s economy but also for supporting Emirati companies operating abroad. In which sectors of Armenia’s economy do you see potential for cooperation with UAE companies?
–Thank you for having me and for this interview. As Dubai Chambers, our mission is to help our business community expand into new markets—this is an essential part of our mandate. Our visit to Armenia aims to open new horizons for bilateral business relations.
We have brought with us 15 companies representing nine different sectors to explore opportunities here. We have a very optimistic view of the Armenian market and see promising potential both for Armenian businesses seeking to establish a presence in Dubai and for Emirati companies interested in investing in Armenia.
Currently, more than 500 companies of Armenian origin are registered with Dubai Chambers. In the first half of this year alone, we recorded a 38% increase, with 79 new Armenian companies joining our network.
We are particularly focused on sectors such as retail, ICT, and logistics. We believe there is strong potential for complementarity and mutually beneficial partnerships in these areas. We also hope that the participants of this business mission will become success stories that inspire others to explore opportunities in Armenia.
-Are there already any ongoing or planned cooperation projects between the UAE and Armenia in areas such as technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, or agriculture?
-Let me answer from a broader perspective. In the UAE—and in Dubai specifically—we focus on sectors where we possess strong capabilities. Our efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033.
This strategy involves collaboration with over 400 cities around the world. Among our key priorities are ICT and artificial intelligence. Recently, our sister organization, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, hosted Expand North Star—the world’s largest technology exhibition. It brought together more than 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors managing assets worth a total of USD 1.1 trillion.
This event provides an excellent platform for Armenian startups to connect with global investors and access new opportunities.
In logistics, Dubai has world-class expertise. Our partner, DP World, operates more than 90 ports worldwide, which can help Armenian products reach new international markets. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo provides an extensive network for air freight services. Together, these channels offer Armenian businesses tangible opportunities to expand globally through Dubai.
–Armenia is a small market with a population of around 3 million and closed borders with two of its neighbors. At the same time, it is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and maintains productive relations with the European Union. From Dubai’s perspective, can Armenia be seen as a connecting bridge between these two economic blocs?
-Yes, geographically, Armenia is ideally positioned as a bridge between Asia and Europe. With direct flights now connecting Dubai and Yerevan, new opportunities are opening up for businesspeople and investors to explore both markets.
Our visit to Armenia and participation in the New Horizon in Armenia event can be described as a study mission to better understand what the market offers. We have already had productive meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Armenia and the Ministry of Economy to discuss potential cooperation and the development of shared goals. I believe this marks the beginning of a new phase in Armenia–Dubai economic collaboration.
-Last year, the UAE became Armenia’s second-largest trading partner. How do you see the future of this partnership? What levels of trade turnover can be expected in the coming years?
-We are proud that the UAE has become one of Armenia’s key trading partners. Dubai serves as a major global trading and logistics hub, connecting markets in both Africa and Asia. In fact, approximately 41% of the Middle East’s re-exports originate from the UAE.
This sends a strong message to Armenian businesses to take advantage of Dubai as a strategic gateway to new markets. Through our Dubai Chamber Global Initiative, we support newly registered companies in Dubai free of charge, helping them integrate quickly and expand their international operations.
-The UAE, being a desert country, has been actively investing in agriculture worldwide to ensure food security. Could Armenia, with its favorable natural conditions, be of interest for UAE agricultural investments?
-Absolutely. Food security is one of our national priorities. While the UAE imports a large portion of its agricultural products, we are also actively investing in agriculture abroad to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
Beyond agriculture, the UAE is heavily investing in renewable energy and the broader energy sector. Dubai is one of the largest—or perhaps the second-largest—markets for perishable food products in the region. This creates an excellent opportunity to integrate agricultural projects in countries like Armenia into our global supply and distribution networks, generating value both locally and regionally.
–Thank you for this interview.
–Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to discuss these opportunities, and we look forward to strengthening cooperation between Dubai and Armenia.
