In 2024, non-oil trade between Dubai and Greece reached an impressive AED 2 billion, achieving a remarkable year-on-year growth rate of 13.7%. This economic milestone underscores the strengthening trade and investment ties between the two regions. In efforts to further enhance these connections, Dubai Chambers recently undertook an official visit to Athens aimed at uncovering new avenues for collaboration across crucial sectors.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Dubai Chambers’ delegation, led by H.E. Engineer Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO, held high-level discussions with influential public and private sector stakeholders in Greece. Al Mansoori emphasized the importance of the long-standing relationship shared by Dubai and Greece, reaffirming Dubai’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing international cooperation. The meetings focused on identifying fresh trade and investment opportunities that could foster enduring, mutually beneficial relationships for businesses in both markets.

Engaging with Key Greek Institutions

The delegation’s itinerary included meetings with several prominent Greek institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Growthfund, and the National Investment Fund of Greece, which oversees assets valued at approximately EUR 11.7 billion ($13.74 billion). They also engaged with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), which represents over 120,000 businesses, and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), which combines 3,500 companies contributing to almost half of Greece’s economic activity. This proactive outreach aims to establish a solid foundation for cooperative engagement and investment opportunities.

Memorandum of Understanding for Enhanced Cooperation

A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Dubai Chambers and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This agreement, signed by Lootah and Ioannis Bratakos, President of ACCI, seeks to enhance collaboration in trade and industry, thereby boosting commercial exchanges between Dubai and Athens. The MoU facilitates various avenues of cooperation, including collaborative business delegations and member support to elevate trade and investment efforts.

Support for Greek Businesses in Dubai

During the visit, the Dubai delegation articulated comprehensive support available for Greek companies keen to establish or expand their presence in Dubai. Opportunities highlighted included participation in major trade events like Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup event. Moreover, the Dubai Founders HQ plays a crucial role in supporting emerging Greek startups by providing access to vital resources, networks, and platforms for growth.

Leveraging Innovation and Strategic Sectors

Discussions during the visit targeted various strategic sectors including aviation, ports, infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, and finance. Stakeholders expressed interest in enhancing innovation and artificial intelligence partnerships, highlighting the potential for two-way investment between family-owned enterprises in Greece and their Dubai counterparts. Strengthening trade delegations and collaborative efforts to elevate bilateral trade were noted as high priorities.

Expanding Global Trade Relations

The significant growth in non-oil trade between Dubai and Greece signifies a promising trajectory, with AED 2 billion in trade in 2024 and a 13.7% increase. The number of Greek businesses registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has also seen an upward trend, increasing by 102 new companies in 2025, leading to a total of 419 active Greek member companies. This surge represents an impressive year-on-year growth of 22.5%, illustrating the vitality of trade links between the two regions.

Overall, this visit by Dubai Chambers is part of a larger global trade initiative aimed at expanding economic cooperation with key markets. This initiative facilitates the opening of new engagement channels, strengthens business community ties, and supports strategic partnerships, enabling Dubai-based companies to venture into international markets with confidence.