Maha Al Gergawi, Vice President of Business Community Support at Dubai Chambers.
Dubai has launched a new Kenya Business Council aimed at increasing trade, investment and business partnerships between Kenyan and Emirati companies as economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen.
The council, established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, held its first meeting at the Dubai Chambers headquarters, bringing together business leaders and stakeholders to explore new investment opportunities and deepen commercial cooperation.
The launch comes as Kenya and the United Arab Emirates implement the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to reduce trade barriers, encourage investment and create new business opportunities for companies in both countries.
Speaking during the launch, Maha Al Gergawi, Vice President of Business Community Support at Dubai Chambers, said the council would play a key role in expanding commercial relations.
"The new Kenyan Business Council is an important platform for strengthening trade and investment partnerships between Dubai and Kenya. It also plays a pivotal role in exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation across various sectors, contributing to stimulating economic growth and establishing sustainable strategic partnerships between the business communities of both sides," she said.
The council will serve as the official Dubai Chamber-registered platform representing Kenyan businesses and professionals in the UAE. It is expected to help members build business networks, identify investment opportunities and improve access to markets across the Gulf region.
Its formation also reflects Dubai's growing role as a gateway for Kenyan businesses seeking to expand into the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.
Figures released by Dubai Chambers show that 146 Kenyan companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2025, bringing the total number of active Kenyan businesses registered with the chamber to 587. This represents a 9.7 per cent increase from the previous year.
During the same period, non-oil trade between Dubai and Kenya reached AED13.6 billion, equivalent to about Sh480 billion, marking a 2.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The new council follows another major step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Earlier this year, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) opened an office in Dubai to support Kenyan exporters and investors.
The office was created to address long-standing challenges affecting Kenyan exporters, particularly those dealing in fresh produce and livestock.
KNCCI President Erick Rutto said the office will provide due diligence services, payment protection mechanisms and real-time market intelligence to reduce trade disputes and payment defaults that have cost Kenyan exporters billions of shillings over the years.
The UAE has emerged as one of Kenya's most important trading and investment partners in the Middle East.
Besides trade, the two countries have expanded cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure, aviation, food security, technology and financial services.
Dubai has increasingly become an important hub for Kenyan exporters looking to reach global markets because of its advanced transport links, ports and financial services.
Kenya exports products such as tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and other agricultural produce to the UAE.
In return, Kenya imports petroleum products, machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, electronics and other manufactured goods from the Gulf nation.
Government data shows merchandise trade between the two countries has continued to grow as businesses take advantage of stronger commercial ties and improved market access.
Analysts say the Kenya Business Council could further support Kenya's efforts to increase exports, attract foreign direct investment and position the country as a gateway to the East African market.
The council is also expected to make it easier for Kenyan businesses to connect with investors, distributors and strategic partners based in Dubai while helping UAE companies identify investment opportunities in Kenya.
Key sectors likely to benefit include manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, real estate, tourism and digital innovation.
The latest initiative highlights the growing economic partnership between Kenya and the UAE as both countries seek to expand trade, increase investment and create new opportunities for businesses operating across Africa and the Gulf.
