Chambers of Commerce
The Chambers of Commerce of individual emirates are important ports of call for all those wishing to do business in the country, being primary sources of business services for investors as well as providing information and assistance on local laws regarding the issue of licences, trade names and types of companies that may be established. Companies are required to register with their local chamber after receiving their licence from the relevant authority. The Federation of United Arab Emirates Chambers of Commerce and Industry is the umbrella organisation for all the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the country. For more information please visit each emirates’ Chamber of Commerce by clicking on the links below.
I. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is a leading voice of the Abu Dhabi business community, advocating policies and connecting businesses that contribute to Abu Dhabi's sustainable economic development. The ADCCI acts as a liaison between the business community and Government as well as provides services such as company and trade registration, training, information and liaison for UAE and business people from around the world.
ADDCI provides general information on the UAE and Abu Dhabi emirate; information on investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and how to acquire trade licences; extensive databases on industry and trade in the UAE and abroad; contact details of ministries, Government and non-Government departments; legal references and resources; advice and consultancy; assistance with arranging appointments; meeting rooms and conference facilities; and arbitration services.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (DCCI) mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. The chamber has been entrusted with: researching and disseminating information relating to commerce and industry; providing information on investment opportunities in Dubai; issuing and authenticating certificates of origin and other commercial documentation; overseeing qualities and standards of goods; the settlement of disputes involving Chamber members through arbitration; organising economic and commercial conferences and participation in similar events inside and outside the emirate.
DCCI’s provides meeting halls, internet access, translation facilities, telephone, fax and mail services. E-services are offered to DCCI’s 80,000 members, including issuance of certificates of origin, legal and arbitration services, commercial directory information, booking of chamber facilities, viewing and updating membership profiles, library and news and commercial events.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) offers technical advice and assistance for companies carrying out viability studies. Its Industrial Development Department provides assistance at the operational stage, conducting market surveys and assessing progress. It also recommends different business options and procedures. SCCI has also introduced a new on-line information service network – Sharjah Information Guide, which gives access to a wide scope of information ranging from trade to tourism, addresses to maps, and banks to bazaars.
Since its incorporation in 1977, Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been carrying out a leading role enhancing cooperation and coordination between the industrial & commercial sectors in Ajman. The Chamber is committed to cooperating with its partners in supporting the commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities in Ajman emirate, and to create a positive climate for business growth and investment.
Established in 1967, the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the oldest business organizations in the UAE. Its mission is to provide a range of innovative services to the business community.
II. GERMANY, Chamber of Commerce
The Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag, DIHK) is the central organisation for 79 Chambers of Commerce and Industry, CCI (Industrie- und Handelskammern, IHKs) in Germany. All German companies registered in Germany, with the exception of handicraft businesses, the free professions and farms, are required by law to join a chamber.
Thus, the DIHK speaks for more than three million entrepreneurs. They include not only big companies but also retailers and innkeepers. This gives the association considerable political influence. It does not represent any specific corporate group but all commercial enterprises in Germany.
III. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Headquartered in New York, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) has served as ICC’s national committee since 1945. In addition, it is the American affiliate of the International Organization of Employers and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD. Its core objectives are to promote open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation.
ICC Chairman Harold McGraw III (Chairman, McGraw Hill Financial) also serves as USCIB’s Chairman. USCIB’s members include top U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of the economy, with operations in every region of the world, as well as a number of leading U.S. industry associations.
Through ICC and the other organizations that make up its global network, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. Many USCIB members serve on ICC commissions and working groups, and the organization plays a leading role in ICC policy deliberations and advocacy efforts. USCIB is proud to house ICC’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York. It also issues and guarantees ATA Carnets in the United States, and operates the ICC Books USA bookstore. USCIB maintains an office in Washington, D.C. for outreach to the U.S. government and others in the U.S. capital.