Dubai Attracts Asian Multinationals, Boosting Global Business Hub Status

Dubai is proving once again why it is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international business. New data from the Dubai International Chamber shows that more than half of the multinational companies (MNCs) setting up in the city during the first half of 2025 came from Asia.

According to the report, 58% of new MNCs between January and June 2025 were Asian. This underlines Dubai’s rising reputation as a city that connects the East and West. The chamber also confirmed that the number of new companies—both large MNCs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—increased by an impressive 138% compared to the same period in 2024.

The numbers are more than statistics. They show how Dubai is becoming the preferred choice for businesses that want to grow globally.

Dubai’s Attraction for Global Businesses

The Dubai International Chamber, one of three chambers under Dubai Chambers, plays a key role in attracting new companies. It reported the following breakdown of MNCs entering Dubai in the first half of 2025:

• Asia: 58%
• Europe: 16.1%
• Middle East & CIS: 12.9%
• Africa: 6.5%
• Americas: 6.5%

These numbers confirm that Dubai is not just a regional hub but a true global gateway for investment and trade. The large share from Asia highlights how businesses from India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia view Dubai as their next growth platform.

Why Asian Companies Choose Dubai

Asian companies are choosing Dubai for several reasons. The city offers advantages that match the needs of fast-growing firms in Asia:

• Location: Dubai sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This makes it easier for companies to expand into new markets.
• Connectivity: Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port are among the busiest in the world. This ensures smooth transport of goods and people.
• Business-friendly rules: Free zones, foreign ownership laws, and tax-friendly policies make Dubai a safe and rewarding place to invest.
• Innovation focus: Dubai invests heavily in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, and renewable energy.

By setting up in Dubai, Asian MNCs can reach customers in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe faster and with less cost.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Following the Trend

The shift toward Dubai is not only happening with big corporations. SMEs are also entering the market in large numbers.

The report showed the following SME distribution in the first half of 2025:

• Asia: 49.1%
• Middle East & CIS: 22.3%
• Africa: 11.6%
• Europe: 9.8%
• Americas: 7.1%

These figures prove that Dubai’s growth strategy is inclusive. It welcomes both large international firms and smaller businesses that want global exposure.

SMEs see Dubai as a launchpad for expansion. The city offers quick company setup, access to funding, and a growing customer base. For many entrepreneurs, opening in Dubai is the first step toward going international.

Role of Dubai International Chamber

The Dubai International Chamber works actively to bring new companies into the city. Its mission is to support Dubai’s global growth and help businesses succeed.

Some of its efforts include:

• Trade missions to connect Dubai with high-growth markets like Asia and Africa.
• Business matchmaking to help international and local companies find the right partners.
• Policy support to keep Dubai’s regulations attractive for investors.
• Innovation support for companies in advanced sectors like AI, fintech, and logistics.

Through these programs, the chamber is helping Dubai grow its reputation as a place where businesses thrive.

Dubai’s Strategic Positioning

Dubai’s ability to attract both MNCs and SMEs comes from more than just policies. It is about strategic positioning and a vision for long-term growth.

1. Geography: Dubai is located in a way that connects three major continents.
2. Global transport: The city is home to one of the busiest airports and ports in the world.
3. Free zones: These areas give businesses complete ownership, tax benefits, and easy registration.
4. Stability: Dubai offers political and economic stability that global investors can trust.
5. Future-ready economy: With major investments in clean energy, digital trade, and AI, Dubai is preparing for the future.

Impact of Asian Investment

The heavy inflow of Asian MNCs and SMEs has strong effects on Dubai’s economy:

• Trade growth: Asian companies bring new products and services, which increases trade.
• Industry expansion: Sectors like technology, logistics, and renewable energy get stronger.
• More jobs: With more companies, there is higher demand for skilled workers.
• Technology transfer: Asian firms share knowledge and practices, boosting Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.
• Global ties: Countries like India and China are building deeper business partnerships with Dubai.

These benefits make Dubai’s business ecosystem even more competitive on a global level.

Record Growth in Company Registrations

The report’s most striking number is the 138% year-on-year increase in new company setups. This means that compared to the first half of 2024, Dubai more than doubled its number of new firms in 2025.

Such growth proves that Dubai is delivering on its vision under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The agenda aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy within the next decade and position it among the world’s top three cities for trade and investment.

Why Global Investors Trust Dubai

International investors see Dubai as a safe and profitable choice. Several factors support this trust:

• World-class infrastructure makes trade and transport seamless.
• Strong governance ensures transparency and business confidence.
• Diversified economy reduces reliance on oil and focuses on trade, tourism, technology, and finance.
• Skilled workforce: Dubai attracts global talent from different countries.
• Open culture: The city is welcoming, multicultural, and built for global communities.

For companies looking to expand internationally, Dubai offers both stability and opportunity.

What Lies Ahead

The influx of Asian and other international firms is only the beginning. Dubai is continuing to expand trade agreements, strengthen free zones, and invest in digital transformation.

As global economic power shifts toward Asia, Dubai’s strong relationship with Asian companies will ensure it stays at the center of trade flows. With its mix of strategy, stability, and ambition, the emirate is well-positioned to remain a leading global investment hub.