Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 22, 2026 | Horn News Hub
The Dubai Ethiopia Business Connect forum officially opened on Friday at the Sheraton Addis, bringing together business leaders, investors, diplomats, and government officials from Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen economic cooperation and explore new investment opportunities.
The event is focused on expanding bilateral trade, facilitating business partnerships, and creating stronger connections between Ethiopian and UAE companies across multiple sectors.
During the forum, representatives of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce highlighted Ethiopia as an emerging investment destination with growing opportunities for regional and international businesses. The chamber noted that its Africa-focused strategy aims to deepen commercial ties between Dubai and African markets through an expanding network of international offices across the continent.
Officials said the chamber is particularly interested in Ethiopia’s tourism and real estate sectors, while also working to support Ethiopian businesses seeking access to markets in the United Arab Emirates
Speaking at the event, Mohammad AlAttar, Director for the Africa Region at Dubai Chamber, described Dubai as a major global business hub and emphasized the emirate’s role in connecting international investors and markets.
Presentations delivered during the forum outlined Dubai’s broader economic landscape, including strong foreign trade performance, expanding logistics infrastructure, and a growing number of trade agreements aimed at enhancing global market access.
According to figures presented at the event, the UAE recorded significant foreign trade growth in 2025, supported by sectors including wholesale and retail, finance, real estate, logistics, and construction. Officials also highlighted Dubai’s free zone ecosystem and international connectivity as key advantages for investors and businesses seeking regional expansion.
The event was organized in partnership with Ethiopian business and investment institutions, including the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Arab Emirates, described Ethiopia as “the land of origin” and emphasized the deepening partnership between Ethiopia and the UAE.He noted that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to the UAE during a challenging period demonstrated the strong and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
According to the ambassador, the growing relationship is not only strengthening current economic ties but is also creating intergenerational connections built on shared prosperity and mutual development.Dr. Jemal further stated that Ethiopia is eager to learn from Dubai’s development experience and economic transformation, particularly its success in trade, investment, innovation, and global connectivity.
Participants at the forum are expected to hold business networking sessions and discussions aimed at identifying practical areas for future cooperation between Ethiopian and UAE companies.
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