Economic relations between Dubai and Malaysia continue to strengthen, with 73 Malaysian companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce during the first nine months of 2025, according to a Chamber representative.
Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, reported that the total number of Malaysian firms registered with the Chamber had risen to 318 by the end of September. He noted that this expansion highlights the Malaysian business community’s confidence in Dubai as a strategic gateway to regional and international markets.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during a trade delegation visit to Malaysia, AlShamsi explained that the majority of new registrations were in the financial services, software and IT services, and Food and Beverage (F&B) industries, followed by business services, consumer goods, and real estate.
He emphasized that Malaysia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most innovative and diversified economies, supported by a robust services sector and a well-established manufacturing base, making it an appealing destination for companies pursuing sustainable growth.
AlShamsi also revealed that non-oil trade between Dubai and Malaysia surpassed AED17.8 billion in 2024, reflecting a 20 percent year-on-year increase. He attributed this to Dubai’s favorable business environment, advanced logistics infrastructure, and transparent regulatory systems that facilitate global market connectivity.
He further highlighted that Malaysia presents promising prospects for UAE investors across sectors such as transport, storage, halal food, real estate, hospitality, business services, and healthcare.
From 2020 to 2024, Dubai received 23 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects from Malaysia, amounting to AED286.6 million ($78.1 million). Malaysian investment in Dubai reached $135 million in the first half of 2025 alone, demonstrating rising investor confidence.
On the trade front, Dubai’s imports from Malaysia grew to AED10.01 billion last year, marking a 13.5 percent increase. At the same time, Dubai’s exports to Malaysia climbed 29.4 percent year-on-year, reaching AED7.7 billion.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Malaysia, which became effective in October, has played a major role in accelerating trade and investment growth between the two nations.
(Inputs from WAM)
