The Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s New Horizons expands to 27 global markets, strengthening efforts to support Dubai-based companies seeking growth opportunities beyond the UAE.
The programme, which focuses primarily on high-potential economies across Asia and Africa, is designed to help local businesses identify new export destinations, establish strategic partnerships, and explore international investment opportunities.
The expansion comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global centre for trade, investment, and business connectivity. It also reflects growing demand among UAE companies to diversify their international footprint and access fast-growing markets.
Since its launch in 2023, New Horizons has become one of Dubai Chamber’s key initiatives supporting international business expansion and cross-border commercial collaboration.
Why New Horizons Expands to 27 Global Markets
One of the programme’s most significant achievements has been its ability to connect Dubai businesses with potential partners and opportunities worldwide.
By the end of 2025, the initiative had facilitated more than 6,000 business-to-business meetings between Dubai-based companies and international organisations.
These engagements have played an important role in:
- Creating direct communication channels between businesses operating in different markets.
- Identifying export opportunities for Dubai-based companies.
- Encouraging investment partnerships across multiple sectors.
- Strengthening relationships with international chambers of commerce and trade authorities.
- Supporting market-entry strategies for companies seeking overseas expansion.
The growing volume of business engagements demonstrates increasing interest from both local and international companies in exploring new commercial opportunities through Dubai’s business ecosystem.
New Horizon Programme Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | New Horizons |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Current Market Coverage | 27 Global Markets |
| Primary Regions | Asia and Africa |
| Business Meetings Facilitated | More than 6,000 |
| Strategic Alignment | Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) |
| Supporting Initiative | Dubai Global |
The programme forms part of Dubai’s broader efforts to support the internationalisation of local businesses and expand economic partnerships globally.
How this Programme Supports Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda
The New Horizons initiative aligns closely with the goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the coming decade and strengthen its position among the world’s top global cities.
A key objective of D33 is increasing Dubai’s role as a global gateway for trade, investment, and innovation.
The initiative contributes to these goals by:
- Helping local businesses expand into new international markets and diversify revenue streams.
- Strengthening Dubai’s global economic partnerships.
- Increasing non-oil trade opportunities for UAE-based companies.
- Supporting foreign investment attraction through stronger international connectivity.
- Enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a trusted and globally connected business hub.
By connecting businesses with high-growth markets, the programme helps create new pathways for economic expansion both within Dubai and internationally.
Ethiopia Emerges as a Strategic Growth Market
One of the notable destinations highlighted during the latest trade mission was Ethiopia, which has become an increasingly important economic partner.
Trade figures illustrate the significant growth in economic relations between Dubai and Ethiopia over the past decade.
Dubai-Ethiopia Trade Growth
| Year | Bilateral Trade Value |
|---|---|
| 2013 | US$454 Million |
| 2025 | US$6.1 Billion |
Growth Snapshot
- Trade increased by more than thirteen times between 2013 and 2025.
- Ethiopia has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economic markets.
- Expanding commercial ties have created new opportunities for businesses operating across logistics, trade, infrastructure, and consumer sectors.
The strong growth in trade volumes highlights the potential that emerging markets can offer to Dubai-based companies seeking international expansion.
What This Means for Dubai Businesses
The expansion of New Horizons is expected to create several benefits for companies looking to strengthen their international presence.
Easier Access to New Markets
Businesses will gain greater exposure to emerging economies that offer growing demand for products, services, and investment partnerships.
Increased Export Opportunities
The programme helps companies identify potential buyers, distributors, and commercial partners, supporting export growth and market diversification.
Stronger International Networks
Direct engagement with foreign chambers of commerce, government entities, and business communities can accelerate market entry and reduce barriers to expansion.
Improved Investor Visibility
Companies participating in international trade missions and business forums often gain greater exposure to investors and strategic partners.
About the Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Dubai Chamber of Commerce is one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers and plays a central role in supporting the growth of the emirate’s private sector. The chamber works to enhance Dubai’s business environment, strengthen international trade relations, and help companies expand into global markets. Through initiatives, trade missions, business advocacy, and networking platforms, Dubai Chamber of Commerce connects local businesses with international opportunities while contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The organisation also supports exporters, investors, entrepreneurs, and multinational companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Dubai and beyond.
The Bigger Picture
The New Horizons initiative’s expansion into 27 international markets underscores Dubai’s ambition as a global business gateway. As businesses seek new growth sources beyond traditional markets, initiatives like New Horizons provide structured pathways to connect with emerging economies.
The initiative supports Dubai’s economic diversification by enabling local businesses to expand internationally, attract investment, and drive sustained trade growth. With over 6,000 business meetings facilitated and record export performance from chamber members, New Horizons is vital for turning global opportunities into long-term success. As Dubai pursues the D33 agenda, initiatives that enhance international connectivity and support business growth will be key to its long-term economic strategy.
