The value of non-oil trade between Dubai and South Africa reached AED29.2 billion in 2025
South Africa’s investments in Dubai exceeded AED1 billion ($294 million) over the past five years, reflecting growing economic ties between the two markets, a senior Dubai Chambers official said on Friday.
Speaking to WAM on the sidelines of the Dubai–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg, Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, said the investments spanned key sectors including information and communications technology, pharmaceuticals and food industries, among other promising economic sectors.
Dubai-South Africa investment flows to continue growing
Al Shamsi said Dubai Chambers is working to help companies expand into global markets, particularly Africa, which offers significant opportunities for trade and investment growth.
The forum formed part of the 13th trade mission organized by Dubai Chambers to African markets since 2023 under its “New Horizons” initiative, which aims to support businesses in exploring new opportunities and building long-term partnerships. A delegation of 24 Dubai-based companies from a range of sectors participated in the forum to explore investment and trade opportunities in South Africa and strengthen cooperation with local businesses.
Al Shamsi said Dubai Chambers’ representative office in South Africa plays a key role in supporting companies entering the market and facilitating links with the local business community. He expressed confidence that investment flows between Dubai and South Africa will continue to grow in the coming years, supported by efforts to attract high-value investments and deepen economic cooperation.
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Dubai-South Africa non-oil trade hits AED29.2 billion in 2025
The Dubai–South Africa Business Forum attracted 520 attendees, including senior officials, business leaders and representatives of local companies.
Speakers participating in the event included Salem Al Shamsi and Advocate Mtho Xulu, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa also delivered a presentation during the forum.
“The rapid growth in trade between Dubai and South Africa reflects the depth of our growing economic partnership and underlines the strong connections between our markets,” Al Shamsi said. “In line with our commitment to building on this positive momentum, we are continuing to expand joint cooperation and create high-quality opportunities that support business growth and enhance trade and investment flows.”
He added that this trade mission provides an important platform to open new channels for dialogue, strengthen business connections, and enable companies operating in Dubai to explore the promising opportunities offered by the South African market, which serves as a strategic gateway to markets across the African continent.
The value of non-oil trade between Dubai and South Africa reached AED29.2 billion in 2025. This represents an increase of 265 percent over the last 10 years, with bilateral trade growing from AED8 billion in 2016.
This expanding relationship is also reflected in the chamber’s membership, with 873 companies from South Africa registered as active members by the end of Q1 2026. A total of 45 new South African companies joined the chamber during the first quarter of 2026.
