The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced a major rise in US corporate memberships alongside new partnerships with key American business bodies, underscoring deepening trade and investment ties between Abu Dhabi and the United States.
The Chamber recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 53 per cent in US corporate memberships between 2019 and 2024, with a 50 per cent increase in 2024 alone.
The surge highlights the UAE capital’s growing appeal as a global destination for investment and as a preferred base for multinational corporations expanding their international reach.
Abu Dhabi Chamber expands US business footprint
Analysis shows nearly half of US firms registered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber operate in wholesale and retail trade, followed by vehicle repair and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Other sectors represented include construction (8 per cent), mining and quarrying (7 per cent), communications and information technology (6 per cent), hospitality (6 per cent), and administrative services (5 per cent).
The Chamber said this diverse spread reflects Abu Dhabi’s strength as a business hub and highlights opportunities for further diversification, innovation, and collaboration across industries.
Strengthened partnerships
As part of an economic delegation to New York City from September 30 to October 2, the Abu Dhabi Chamber signed two new cooperation agreements:
- One with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
- One with the Texas Association of Business
The agreements aim to open new opportunities for Abu Dhabi’s business community, strengthen the UAE private sector’s presence in the US market, and align with the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s 2025–2028 roadmap focused on empowering the private sector and driving innovation.
The North Carolina Chamber agreement promotes joint investments, facilitates participation in exhibitions and forums, and supports information exchange on investment climates and trade regulations.
It also establishes a registry of Emirati companies investing in North Carolina and encourages collaboration through technical and training exchanges.
The partnership with the Texas Association of Business focuses on expanding trade and industrial cooperation, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies through mutual knowledge-sharing.
Both parties also committed to safeguarding intellectual property and maintaining confidentiality of exchanged information.
Sustainable growth
Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: “The Chamber is committed to cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global business hub by launching initiatives and programmes that support international companies and facilitate their access to abundant investment opportunities.
“American businesses play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s vibrant business landscape, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to building on this momentum to build a strong and diversified economy.”
He added that the growth in US memberships and new partnerships reflect a shared ambition to build a resilient, future-focused economy:
“US companies are valued strategic partners in Abu Dhabi’s journey towards a more diverse and sustainable economy. The Chamber pledges to continue supporting the private sector and broadening economic cooperation, thereby strengthening our competitiveness and creating fresh new avenues for future collaborations.”
Al Dhaheri said the cooperation with North Carolina and Texas reinforces the Chamber’s 2025–2028 strategy to empower national companies and expand their international presence, in line with the UAE’s wider economic diversification goals.
Looking ahead
The Chamber expects American corporate investments in Abu Dhabi to grow further, particularly in innovation-driven and advanced technology sectors, supporting the emirate’s long-term economic plans.
Ongoing economic dialogues, trade missions, and joint investment forums will continue to promote collaboration, market expansion, and sustainable partnerships benefiting both economies.
