Dubai Chamber Welcomes 73 New Malaysian Companies In First Nine Months Of 2025

Economic relations between Dubai and Malaysia are strengthening, as evidenced by 73 new Malaysian firms registering with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first nine months of 2025. Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, noted that by September's end, the total number of Malaysian companies registered had reached 318. This growth indicates the Malaysian business community's trust in Dubai as a gateway to regional and global markets.

AlShamsi highlighted that these new businesses are mainly involved in financial services, software and IT services, and the Food and Beverage (F&B) sectors. Other areas include business services, consumer products, and real estate. He spoke about this during a trade mission to Malaysia with the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The diversity of Malaysia’s industrial base and its strong services sector make it appealing for companies aiming for long-term growth.

The non-oil trade value between Dubai and Malaysia surpassed AED17.8 billion in 2024, marking a 20 percent annual increase. AlShamsi attributed this to Dubai's favourable business environment, which includes advanced logistics and transparent regulatory frameworks that facilitate global market access. He also mentioned that Malaysia presents significant opportunities for UAE investors in sectors like transport, storage, halal food, real estate, hospitality, business services, and healthcare.

Between 2020 and 2024, Dubai attracted 23 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects from Malaysia worth AED286.6 million ($78.1 million). In just the first half of 2025 alone, Malaysian investments in Dubai reached $135 million. This demonstrates a robust interest from investors.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), effective from October, has notably enhanced trade and investment exchanges between the two nations. AlShamsi reported that last year saw Dubai importing goods worth AED10.01 billion from Malaysia—a rise of 13.5 percent annually. Concurrently, exports from Dubai to Malaysia increased by 29.4 percent year-on-year to AED7.7 billion.

Malaysia is recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most innovative economies due to its diverse industrial base and reputation for high-quality manufacturing. These factors make it an attractive destination for companies seeking sustainable growth prospects.

This expanding economic partnership underscores both countries' commitment to fostering stronger ties through mutual trade benefits and investment opportunities.

With inputs from WAM