By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Emirates and Dubai Chambers have signed an MoU to accelerate the international growth and competitiveness of Dubai-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The partnership aims to support Dubai’s growing ecosystem of small businesses and innovative startups by facilitating their entry and integration into international markets and global supply chains.
The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, at Seamless Middle East 2026.
Under the terms of the MoU, members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, will have access to reliable and efficient connectivity along with tailored logistics solutions on a global scale through Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates. Emirates SkyCargo will leverage its expertise in cross-border logistics, its extensive international network spanning six continents, and its large wide-body aircraft fleet to facilitate and empower Dubai-based companies to plan their international expansion. SMEs and startups will also be able to access specialised express delivery solutions through Emirates Courier Express, Emirates SkyCargo’s international door-to-door shipping product, providing fast, secure, and cost-effective express transportation and clearance options for businesses.
The partnership will also integrate incentives through Emirates Business Rewards, Emirates’ reward program for small and medium enterprises, supporting SME members of Dubai Chambers maximise the value of their business travel. Dubai Chamber of Commerce members joining Emirates Business Rewards for the first time will also receive a 2,000-point welcome joining bonus.
Emirates Business Rewards and Dubai Chambers will collaborate on member engagement initiatives including joint participation in events and other promotional activities to facilitate opportunities for eligible customers to earn rewards on Dubai Chambers-related services, with additional benefits and enhancements to be developed over time.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Small and Medium Entreprises are important drivers of innovation and growth in Dubai’s vibrant economy. Through this partnership with Dubai Chambers, we are committed to helping these businesses compete and thrive on a global stage by making international logistics and travel more accessible. Emirates SkyCargo has democratised access to world class logistics and cargo capacity through Emirates Courier Express, giving SMEs the same global reach and connectivity available to larger organisations. Combined with our extensive network, logistics expertise and tailored solutions, we will help remove many of the barriers that can make cross-border trade challenging. Additional benefits and incentives through Emirates Business Rewards, including welcome bonus points and co-branded card rewards will also go a long way in supporting SMEs in their international outreach. Together we are empowering Dubai’s entrepreneurs to scale faster, enter new markets with confidence and contribute to the ambitions of Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, commented: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the international growth of Dubai’s business community. By enabling member companies to leverage reliable logistics solutions, global connectivity, and specialised expertise, we will enhance the capabilities of SMEs to reach new global markets more efficiently. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector and contributing to the growth of Dubai’s foreign trade.”
In addition to freight and logistics services, Emirates SkyCargo and Dubai Chambers will also jointly develop value-added frameworks to cater to the agile needs of Dubai-based startups. These initiatives will include joint workshops, knowledge-sharing platforms and tailored cargo advisory programmes to optimise supply chain efficiencies for Dubai’s SMEs.