Dubai: Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently organized a workshop in cooperation with Dubai Municipality to raise awareness of the latest food safety controls and regulations among the business community in the emirate. The initiative is part of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support the business environment and enhance corporate compliance with relevant legislation. The event attracted 57 representatives from private sector companies operating in food-related sectors.Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, said: “We are committed to empowering the business community by providing access to the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the regulations and laws governing all sectors. This enhances companies’ awareness of legislative and regulatory requirements and supports their ability to comply with best practices.”Held under the theme 'Crisis Tested, Future Ready: The Strength of Food Safety in Dubai,' the workshop explored the key pillars of the emirate’s food safety system, including registration and permits, port controls, food inspection, and sector-related studies and policies.Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, addressed the workshop, highlighting the Municipality’s commitment to supporting the food sector, one of the emirate’s key economic pillars.Dr. Rafie emphasized Dubai Municipality’s efforts to ensure the smooth flow of food products through ports of entry, strengthening food security, especially during crises. She also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of imported and locally traded food products to protect the community from foodborne risks.The workshop featured Dubai Municipality officials and subject-matter experts, who presented an overview of the food safety system and regulatory procedures. Sessions covered food product registration through the Municipality’s electronic platform, which includes more than 1.5 million items, as well as licensing frameworks for food establishments, inspection procedures, and the regulations governing the sector.The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to raise questions and receive practical guidance from Dubai Municipality representatives.

Johannesburg: The UAE is an important strategic partner for South Africa, according to Caren Sutherns, President of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who said Dubai stands out as a global model for sustainable economic growth and business competitiveness.Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of a trade mission organized by Dubai Chambers to Johannesburg, Sutherns said Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s leading economic and commercial centers. She added that the UAE’s development model is highly regarded by South Africa’s business and economic communities.She noted that Johannesburg is keen to strengthen cooperation with Dubai and benefit from its expertise in urban planning, city development, infrastructure, water resource management, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, stressing that strong opportunities exist to build mutually beneficial partnerships.Sutherns also praised Dubai Chambers for organizing the trade mission, highlighting that Johannesburg welcomes UAE investors and offers promising opportunities across sectors such as construction, real estate development, infrastructure, financial services, technology, and the digital economy. She added that the city serves as a major economic hub and a key gateway to African markets.She further expressed the Chamber’s interest in strengthening cooperation with UAE economic institutions, particularly Dubai Chambers, to enhance trade and investment ties and create new opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs in both countries.Addressing Emirati business leaders, Sutherns emphasized South Africa’s attractive investment environment and the importance of building stronger partnerships with the UAE, noting that Dubai’s development achievements are highly valued by the business community in Johannesburg.