Dubai International Chamber reports a 138% rise in new companies in H1 2025, with the majority of MNCs and SMEs coming from Asia.
DUBAI: Dubai has witnessed a major uptick in global business interest during the first half of 2025, with the Dubai International Chamber reporting a remarkable 138% year-on-year growth in the number of companies establishing a presence in the emirate.
The surge is led by Asian multinationals, which accounted for a significant 58% of all multinational companies (MNCs) attracted to Dubai during H1 2025. The trend underscores the city’s rising appeal as a strategic hub for businesses seeking a foothold in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Europe ranked second with 16.1%, followed by the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) at 12.9%, and Africa and the Americas, each contributing 6.5%.
The Asian momentum wasn’t limited to multinationals alone. Among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 49.1% also originated from Asia. This reflects Dubai’s growing status as a launchpad for entrepreneurs and fast-growing companies from across the region.
Breakdown of SME origins:
- Asia: 49.1%
- Middle East & CIS: 22.3%
- Africa: 11.6%
- Europe: 9.8%
- Americas: 7.1%
The chamber attributes this growth to Dubai’s investor-friendly policies, streamlined business environment, and robust infrastructure. These factors, coupled with its global connectivity and strategic geographic position, have made Dubai an irresistible destination for businesses seeking regional expansion.
The results position Dubai as a truly global business capital, particularly for Asian markets seeking proximity to emerging growth opportunities in the MEASA corridor.
