Welcome to the Turkish Business Council Dubai & Northern Emirates December update.
We have all enjoyed a very busy December. As we come to the end of the year and the onset of the festive season, the month has been filled with our End of Year Networking Event, The Dubai Chamber Business Groups and Councils Q4 Roundtable Discussion, the Business Breakfast as well as informative and important webinar sessions, seminars, workshops bringing 2022 to a close and of course, positive planning of our 2023 activities.
2023 will welcome the 100th year of the Republic of Türkiye and also marks the 50th year of the relationship between the UAE and Türkiye. A series of exciting cultural and business activities are planned throughout the next 12 months. Working together with the Turkish Embassy in UAE, the Turkish Consulate General in Dubai, Commercial Departments and the TBC in Abu Dhabi, we are looking forward to sharing this varied calendar of special activities with you to mark a very significant year.
We thank all members, sponsors, supporters and esteemed personnel for all of your support and goodwill throughout 2022 and express our very best wishes for a positive and healthy new year for you all, your families and businesses.
UAE NATIONAL DAY
We extended our congratulations to the Ruler, citizens, residents, and friends of the UAE on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the UAE's National Day.
Dubai Chamber Business Groups and Councils Q4 ROUNDTABLE MEETING
TBC attended the fourth 2022 roundtable discussion, organized by the Dubai Chamber’s business groups and councils. Dubai Chamber is aimed at fostering public-private sector cooperation in order to enhance Dubai’s favourable business environment.
Held on a quarterly basis, the roundtable events provide group and council representatives with a platform to discuss timely business issues, proactively identify policy and legislative priorities, and drive collective advocacy impact to advance economic and business growth in Dubai.
“The roundtable discussions are valuable communication channels that help Dubai Chamber and fellow participants to identify and collectively address important policy matters that impact our business community in order to create a supportive, enabling, and innovation-based business environment,” said Maha AlGargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers in her welcome remarks at the event.
The event featured an overview of Dubai Chambers’ strategic priorities and the emirate’s economic outlook as well as updates on current and upcoming initiatives.
During the session, Dubai Chambers presented results of the latest Dubai Quarterly Business Survey: Outlook, Impediments & Incentives, 2022, Q4.
According to the survey, the overall majority of businesses in Dubai have better expectations for business conditions and sales. Sentiments on business confidence and business conditions have improved and are expected to positively impact private investment in Dubai. Companies are looking to increase digital adoption in all facets including advertisement (40%), digital payments (35%), e-commerce (25%) and digital marketing (31%).
END OF YEAR NETWORKING EVENT
Our final members event of the year was held on the 22nd of December, before a very active and successful 2022 comes to a close. We truly enjoyed welcoming you all to the "End of Year Networking Event", where all attendees enjoyed meeting, mingling and securing positive new connections for the new year ahead.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OFFICE OPENS IN ISTANBUL, TURKIYE
The Dubai International Chamber opened its newest international office in Istanbul, Türkiye this month, in keeping with its strategic goal of maximising business opportunities in priority global markets and supporting the international expansion plans of Dubai companies.
High-level guests from the UAE and Türkiye, including ambassadors, government officials, and local business representatives, attended the inaugural ceremony. Atinc Yilmaz, a board member of the Turkish Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates represented the TBC during the occasion.
In 2021, Dubai and Türkiye had non-oil commerce of $12.8 billion. On Dubai's list of trading partners, the nation's position rose from 20th in 2011 to 7th in 2021.
The UAE's ambassador in Turkey, H.E. Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, said during the ceremony: “The strategic location of the UAE and Türkiye between Asia and Europe serves both East and West and provides optimal commercial conditions for the two countries to facilitate trade. The comprehensive development witnessed by the two cities (Dubai – Istanbul) and the high competitiveness made both sides an important economic and commercial centre and a key destination for global and regional companies.”
Fatma Nilgun Emrem, President of the Turkish Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, expressed “The opening of Dubai International Chamber in Türkiye will definitely have a very positive impact for all the Turkish investors, entrepreneurs and will be well received. It is a token of commitment to achieve the targeted growth in bilateral trade. The real sector will have the comfort of availing first hand and reliable information as well as direct contact with the relevant officials, which will accelerate the entry for investors into the UAE market with confidence. We, as Turkish Business Council for Dubai and Northern Emirates, would like to congratulate the Dubai Chamber of Commerce for this initiative that comes at the perfect timing.”
TURKIYE REPRESENTED AT THE BIG 5 EXHIBITION 2022
The Big 5 Exhibition took place between December 5 and 8 in Dubai, offering the biggest, most comprehensive event for all involved in the building and construction trades, including designers, architects, manufacturers, suppliers, decision makers and innovators. Turkish companies were well represented and enjoyed a successful event and conference - gaining connections, knowledge, and new business leads. This year, Türkiye had the highest participation rate for the first time, and Turkish companies received a lot of attention.
TBC AND IFZA SIGNING CEREMONY
Turkish Business Council in Dubai & Northern Emirates (TBC) has welcomed IFZA as a new member with a ceremony held at the IFZA Business Park presided by IFZA CEO Jochen Knecht and TBC President, Fatma Nilgun Emrem.
As part of TBC's dedication to developing long-lasting relationships in business and beyond, IFZA aims to strengthen connections with the Turkish business community in the United Arab Emirates.
EMIRATI AND TURKISH WOMEN FORUM
The Emirati and Turkish Women Forum was held on the December 24, 2022 in Abu Dhabi. This forum brought traditions, experiences and knowledge of both cultures together in one night and created a fundamental platform for a bilingual relationship between Emirati and Turkish women.
KOSGEB DELEGATION HOSTED WITH IFZA
TBC hosted a KOSGEB delegation during their recent visit to Automechanica 2022 in Dubai. A presentation to more than 30 delegates about the Turkish Business Council (Dubai and Northern Emirates), its mission, activities, and members was given and positively received. The event was held by IFZA, our corporate member, at their conference centre. Opening remarks were given by IFZA CEO Jochen Knecht.
GUINESS WORLD RECORD ACHIEVED!
The Guinness World Record Most Nationalities in an Art Lesson record
Ipek Marangozoglu Karakaya, a member of the TBC Art Committee participated on behalf of Türkiye in the Guinness World Record attempt held at the Abu Dhabi Theatre as part of the 51st UAE National Day celebration activities, alongside members of the ruling family, in the attempt to achieve ‘Most Nationalities in an Art Lesson’ record.
With one artist from each country, The Guinness World Record - Most Nationalities in an Art Lesson was broken with the final participation of 65 artists from 65 different countries.