The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) was founded in May 2009 and inaugurated by the former Minister of Economic German Federal Minister of Economy and Technology.

The German Industry & Commerce Office, fully integrated upon completion of the AHK foundation process, had already been existing for 10 years in Dubai and for 5 years in Abu Dhabi at that time.

The AHK is the first bilateral federal business organization as well as the first international institution on federal level which has been founded in the Gulf. It has been able to attract a number of well-known Board Members.

Through the reputed Emirati and German members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees the AHK has direct access to the Emirati decision makers, which is crucial for initiating business transactions. The current membership count stands at around 300, thereof a number of German medium-sized companies, which are already doing business in the UAE.

Apart from the general AHK service portfolio which comprises business support services to help companies enter the market (according to DE International guidelines), organization of delegations as well as legal support and trade fairs services, AHK offers a wide range of further activities, such as:

Committees and Working Groups

Organization of committees and working groups on various focal sectors (Banking & Finance, Construction and Infrastructure, German Board of Sustainability, Health, Legal Affairs etc.)

Business Breakfast/DXB-Jour-Fixe

A monthly 3-pillar-meeting in cooperation with the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the German Consulate General in Dubai respectively together with Germany Trade & Invest (Gtai) informs German companies in the UAE about current economical developments and activities.

Business & Networking Luncheons

Business Luncheons with well-known local guest speakers form a good networking platform for German and Emirati companies. Also social events (Asparagus Party, Easter Brunch, Oktoberfest, Iftar during the Ramadan etc.) offer German and Emirati members an environment for socializing. In the northern Emirates, e.g. Ras Al Khaimah,  activities are offered, too.

In addition to the offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai the AHK maintains representative offices in Oman and Qatar. From summer on the AHK will also cover the markets in Bahrain and Kuwait.