Dubai Investment Opportunities Attract French Investors

Key Points

• Dubai Chambers and the UAE Embassy in Paris hosted an open dialogue in Paris with 45 French investors to promote Dubai investment opportunities.
• Event attended by Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers.
• Discussions highlighted Dubai’s business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, flexible regulatory framework and support services for investors.
• Dubai reported 3,275 active French companies registered with Dubai Chamber by end of March 2026; 211 new French companies joined in Q1 2026.
• French company registrations in Dubai rose 559% since 2016 (from 497 to 3,275).
• Non-oil trade between Dubai and France reached Dhs40.3 billion in 2025, up from Dhs18.4 billion in 2021 — a 120% increase over five years.
• In 2025 France was Dubai’s third-largest European trading partner, representing 17.7% of Dubai’s EU trade.
• Dubai Chambers conducted high-level meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town to bolster ties with South Africa, meeting SACCI, national trade ministry officials, Wesgro and local chambers.
• Meetings in South Africa aimed to support SME cooperation, private-sector partnerships and opportunities for South African firms to expand into Dubai.
• Dubai Chamber delegation led by Salem Al Shamsi met with South African counterparts and officials; Ambassador Mahash Saeed AlHameli participated.
• Dubai Chambers held talks with Lesotho delegation led by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to strengthen investment ties.
• Lesotho ministers present included Hon. Nthati Moorosi, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo and High Commissioner Ntsime Jafeta.
• Lesotho’s Prime Minister called for a Dubai-Lesotho Business Forum and praised Dubai’s model in logistics, infrastructure and digital economy.
• Dubai’s activities reflect a strategic push to diversify international partnerships across Europe and Africa and position Dubai as a gateway to regional markets.

Paris (Britain Today News) June 9, 2026 — Dubai Chambers, in cooperation with the UAE Embassy in Paris, convened an open dialogue in the French capital to present investment opportunities in Dubai to a select group of 45 French investors. The event, attended by Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, positioned Dubai as a leading international business hub with a business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and a flexible regulatory framework designed to attract and support foreign investment.

What happened at the Dubai-Chambers open dialogue in Paris?

The Paris meeting brought together senior representatives from Dubai Chambers and the UAE Embassy with French private-sector participants to discuss concrete ways for French companies to establish and scale operations in Dubai. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah told attendees that Dubai

“continues to strengthen its appeal to global companies seeking to expand their operations and access new markets,”

and emphasised Dubai Chambers’ commitment to help French firms

“achieve sustainable growth and capitalise on the emirate’s diverse business opportunities.”

Why is Dubai pitching to French investors now?

Dubai’s outreach coincides with rising French commercial engagement in the emirate. According to Dubai Chambers’ figures shared at the event, by the end of March 2026 some 3,275 companies from France were registered as active members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce — including 211 new French companies recorded during the first quarter of 2026 alone. That tally contrasts sharply with 2016, when only 497 French companies were registered, representing a 559% increase over a decade.

How strong are trade ties between Dubai and France?

Speakers highlighted a sustained growth in bilateral trade: non-oil trade between Dubai and France reached Dhs40.3 billion in 2025, up from Dhs18.4 billion in 2021, marking a 120% rise over five years. Dubai’s Economic data presented at the event showed that in 2025 France ranked as Dubai’s third-largest European trading partner, accounting for 17.7% of the emirate’s trade with EU member states.

Who represented the UAE and Dubai Chambers in Paris?

Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France, attended the dialogue and offered diplomatic support for deeper commercial ties. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, led Dubai’s business case for investment and reiterated the Chambers’ role in smoothing market entry and expansion for foreign firms. As Lootah said,

“We are committed to supporting French companies with the assistance they need to establish and grow their presence in Dubai.”

What support does Dubai offer French investors?

Representatives explained that Dubai provides a combination of incentives: business-friendly policies, streamlined licensing, world-class infrastructure, strategic geographic access to regional markets, and advisory services through Dubai Chambers to help with market entry, compliance, partnerships and access to finance. The Chambers positioned itself as a facilitator for French SMEs seeking to test or scale operations in the Gulf and wider MENA region.

What did French attendees say about the opportunities?

Several French participants commended Dubai’s proactive outreach and the clarity of incentives on offer. Attendees noted sectors of interest included logistics, technology, renewable energy, luxury goods, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. Specific quotes from French investors were not supplied in the official summary distributed by Dubai Chambers to attendees and media.

Did Dubai Chambers discuss engagement beyond France?

Yes. In parallel activity across southern Africa, Dubai Chambers pursued a push to deepen relations with South Africa and Lesotho. A delegation led by Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, held high-level meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town aimed at strengthening private sector cooperation, supporting SMEs, and exploring opportunities for South African companies to expand into Dubai.

Who did Dubai Chambers meet in South Africa and why?

In Johannesburg, the delegation met with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), represented by Advocate Mtho Xulu, President of SACCI. Meetings also included South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Discussions centred on private-sector linkages, trade facilitation and identifying joint ventures and partnerships that allow South African firms to leverage Dubai’s logistics and market access.

What networking events took place in South Africa?

Dubai Chambers joined a business networking event organised by Wesgro — the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape — and took part in a separate networking reception hosted by the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These gatherings provided platforms for business matching and sectoral discussions, particularly in tourism, agribusiness, renewable energy, and professional services.

Why did Dubai engage Lesotho’s leadership in Johannesburg?

During the Johannesburg meetings Dubai Chambers also held talks with a high-level Lesotho delegation led by the Rt. Hon. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to strengthen investment ties with Dubai and called for a Dubai-Lesotho Business Forum as a vehicle to showcase opportunities and create partnerships.

Who accompanied Lesotho’s Prime Minister and what were their priorities?

The delegation included several Lesotho ministers: Hon. Nthati Moorosi (Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation), Hon. Mohlomi Moleko (Natural Resources), Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo (Trade, Industry and Business Development), and Ntsime Jafeta, High Commissioner of Lesotho to South Africa. The Lesotho delegation emphasised collaboration on logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy to catalyse investment and skills transfer.

What did Lesotho’s Prime Minister propose?

Rt. Hon. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane praised Dubai’s economic model and urged concrete steps to foster ties. He proposed organising a Dubai-Lesotho Business Forum to showcase investment propositions and to open formal channels of partnership. The Prime Minister highlighted Lesotho’s interest in leveraging Dubai’s expertise across logistics and digital transformation to accelerate domestic development goals.

How does this outreach fit Dubai’s broader strategy?

Dubai Chambers’ combined outreach in Europe and Africa reflects a concerted strategy to diversify trade partners, bolster foreign direct investment, and position Dubai as a multinational business gateway. The events aim to attract new company registrations, deepen non-oil trade ties, and expand Dubai’s network of international business partners across complementary markets.
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What are the implications for SMEs and investors?

For French and African SMEs, Dubai’s push signals enhanced opportunities to access a regional hub with favourable market access, logistical links, and an ecosystem supportive of startups and scaleups. Dubai Chambers’ outreach suggests an emphasis on matchmaking, regulatory advice and practical support to mitigate entry barriers for foreign enterprises.

What numbers demonstrate the success of Dubai’s outreach so far?

The headline statistics presented by Dubai Chambers underline rapid growth: 3,275 active French companies registered by March 2026, a 559% rise since 2016, and non-oil trade with France reaching Dhs40.3 billion in 2025 — a 120% increase since 2021. These figures were cited by Dubai Chambers during the Paris dialogue and form the quantitative backbone of Dubai’s pitch to prospective investors.

What next steps were announced or implied?

Dubai Chambers signalled continued engagement, offering tailored support to French investors and proposing further bilateral dialogue and business forums, including the suggested Dubai-Lesotho Business Forum. Officials indicated ongoing trade missions and targeted networking events to maintain momentum and convert interest into tangible investments.

How did Dubai reach this point?

Over the past decade Dubai has systematically developed special economic zones, modern port and air logistics, and a regulatory environment inviting foreign capital. The city-state’s pivot towards non-oil sectors, digital transformation and global logistics has made it an attractive base for multinationals and SMEs seeking a gateway to the Middle East and Africa.

Are there any caveats or criticisms?

The official statements and figures presented by Dubai Chambers paint a positive picture. Independent assessment of investment outcomes, long-term job creation and the regulatory experience of small investors requires follow-up reporting. The Paris open dialogue, and visits to South Africa and Lesotho, are part of a promotional campaign; the ultimate test will be conversion of interest into sustained economic partnerships and the realisation of projects on the ground.

How did Dubai’s diplomatic staff frame the outreach?

Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, the UAE Ambassador to France, underscored the role of diplomatic channels in facilitating business contacts and removing bureaucratic hurdles. He framed Dubai as a “gateway to regional markets” and encouraged French companies to view the emirate as a springboard for regional expansion.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated:

“Dubai continues to strengthen its appeal to global companies seeking to expand their operations and access new markets, supported by its position as a leading international business hub that connects major economies and markets worldwide. We are committed to supporting French companies with the assistance they need to establish and grow their presence in Dubai, helping them achieve sustainable growth and capitalise on the emirate’s diverse business opportunities.”

Rt. Hon. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, said the country

“is committed to strengthening investment ties with Dubai”

and called for a Dubai-Lesotho Business Forum to showcase opportunities and create channels for partnership.