The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the Dubai Chambers umbrella, has collaborated with Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa, to host an interactive dialogue with 82 representatives from the private sector. The aim of this meeting was to bolster financial resilience among businesses, discuss the urgent banking needs of the business community, and showcase the advanced financial solutions and banking services provided by Mashreq to assist companies in adapting to current economic changes.
This initiative is part of a series of interactive discussions organized by the Dubai Chamber in partnership with various prominent financial institutions, focusing on aligning banking products and services with business needs to support their sustainability and growth in a dynamic business environment, fully prepared to address current challenges.
Interactive Discussions
The session featured key participants, including Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, Director General of Dubai Chambers; Joel Van Dusen, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Mashreq; Fernando Murillo, Head of Retail Banking; and Roy Sebastian, Head of Group Credit Risk, alongside other leaders from Mashreq. The discussions included extensive conversations about financing challenges and current banking requirements faced by the business community, as well as practical financial solutions that can enhance operational efficiency and financial resilience for businesses. The critical role of the banking sector in empowering the local business community to keep pace with current global developments was emphasized.
Economic System Components
Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah stated: “Protecting the interests of the business community and enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector are among our top priorities. We continue to work on strengthening the components of an integrated economic system in Dubai to support companies operating in the emirate under all circumstances, thereby promoting business continuity and growth, while solidifying Dubai’s position as a leading hub for trade and investment worldwide.”
Joel Van Dusen emphasized that Mashreq’s strategy focuses on evolving traditional banking models, positioning itself as a reliable strategic partner that aligns with client aspirations and fosters sustainable growth. By combining innovative banking solutions with tailor-made financing capabilities, we assist companies in meeting their evolving needs, enhancing operational efficiency, and reinforcing their competitively over the long term. Our participation in this dialogue, in cooperation with the Dubai Chamber, reflects our joint commitment to enhancing the capacity and readiness of the private sector to face rapidly changing economic conditions.” During the event, Mashreq’s team presented its comprehensive suite of financial solutions for businesses, emphasizing available banking empowerment mechanisms to support their ability to address current global challenges.
Financing Needs
The dialogues addressed the critical financing needs across various sectors, underscoring the necessity for flexible financing tools and innovative banking options that enhance companies’ adaptability and support their business continuity, thus strengthening the private sector’s resilience.
Fernando Murillo stated: “We are dedicated to empowering businesses by providing them with easy-to-use financial tools and services that foster their growth. We place great importance on maintaining close communication with our clients in the corporate banking sector through various channels, including forums and interactive sessions, which allow us to exchange perspectives and respond effectively to the actual challenges businesses face. Through our collaboration with the Dubai Chamber today, we are bolstering partnerships within the economic system and contributing to creating an environment where companies can confidently adapt.”
This approach reflects our focus on offering specially tailored banking solutions that are future-ready, enhancing operational flexibility and supporting financial stability.” The event is part of an ongoing series of extensive meetings by the Dubai Chambers with the private sector to monitor the current business environment amid ongoing changes, foresee future prospects, and reinforce effective mechanisms to prepare all sectors to face global challenges. Additionally, the chambers are intensifying cooperation efforts to meet current conditions, closely understanding the evolving requirements of all sectors, and exploring optimal ways to support businesses and enhance their competitiveness while ensuring efficient and effective operations.