Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recently organised an interactive open dialogue in collaboration with Mashreq with the participation of 82 representatives from the private sector. The session focused on the business community’s most pressing banking needs, while showcasing the financing solutions and advanced services offered by the bank to support companies and strengthen their resilience amid evolving economic conditions.The event forms part of a series of interactive dialogues organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with leading financial institutions. The initiative aims to align banking products and services with the needs of companies, while helping businesses sustain growth and navigate change with confidence.Attended by H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; Joel Van Dusen, Group Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Mashreq; Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking Group; Roy Sebastian, Group Chief Credit Officer; together with business leaders from Mashreq, the session featured in-depth discussions on the financing challenges facing businesses and their evolving banking needs. The dialogue focused on practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen financial resilience, underscoring the critical role of the banking sector in supporting the business community amid a rapidly changing global environment.H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: “Protecting the interests of the business community and supporting the competitiveness of the private sector remain among our top priorities. We are committed to strengthening the foundations of Dubai’s business ecosystem to support companies operating in the emirate and ensure their growth and continuity amid evolving circumstances, further reinforcing Dubai’s position among the world’s leading centres for trade and investment.”Joel Van Dusen, Group Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Mashreq, commented: “At Mashreq, our strategy focuses on going beyond traditional banking. We concentrate on being a trusted strategic partner to our clients, with the aim of supporting them in achieving resilient, sustainable growth. By combining innovative banking solutions with tailored financing capabilities, we help businesses address their evolving needs, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen long‑term competitiveness. The is even more important as we support our clients through challenging times. Our participation in this dialogue, in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, reflects our shared commitment to supporting the UAE economy, strengthening private‑sector resilience and supporting businesses as they navigate today’s dynamic economic environment.”During the event, Mashreq’s business banking team outlined the bank’s integrated range of financial solutions for companies, with a focus on the tools and support available to help businesses navigate current global challenges. The discussions also addressed the financing priorities of different sectors, highlighting the importance of flexible funding tools and innovative banking options that help companies adapt, maintain business continuity, and strengthen private sector resilience.Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, said: “Our commitment is to provide businesses with intuitive, streamlined financial tools that support their growth. We engage closely with our Business Banking clients through diversified channels, including forums and interactive sessions, which allows us to exchange perspectives, and respond more effectively to real business challenges. By joining forces today with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, we are strengthening collaboration across the ecosystem and creating an environment where businesses can adapt with confidence. This approach underpins our focus on delivering tailored, forward‑looking banking solutions that enhance operational agility and strengthen financial resilience.”The session forms part of a wider series of events organised by Dubai Chambers with private sector stakeholders to assess current business conditions, anticipate the future outlook, and strengthen strategies to support the readiness of all sectors in responding to global developments. Through these engagements, Dubai Chambers is continuing to work closely with the business community to understand changing business needs, support companies more effectively, and enhance their competitiveness and operational performance.

With true Arabian hospitality, the UAE opened its doors to the world. Citizens of over 190 countries came, they saw, and they never left.For residents, UAE is more than a place on a map – it’s a place they are proud to call home.Eliane Chalhoub, a Lebanese senior communications manager based in Dubai, feels a deep connection to the country.The mum of two said: “I feel incredibly proud of the UAE because it’s the place we chose to call home and where we decided to start a family and raise our children. There’s something special about building a life in a country that is constantly evolving, yet deeply rooted in values of tolerance, ambition, and safety. The UAE offers a sense of stability and opportunity that makes you feel confident about your children’s future, and that’s something I don’t take for granted.” For most expatriates, it’s not easy to leave one’s home country and start a new life in an unfamiliar land. But the UAE makes the move easier, with its efficient governmental processes and welcoming community of residents.Rachel Dienzo, a Dubai-based Filipina who works in sales and marketing, has been in the UAE for 10 years, and she said it instantly felt like home: “I am deeply grateful. Living away from my family has not been easy, but the UAE has given me the courage to stand on my own. It has provided me with strength, safety, and the opportunity to grow into an independent person. This country has become my second home, where I’ve learned resilience and discovered my potential.” A foundation built on safety and stabilityIn order to become a land of opportunity, the UAE has long established its presence as a beacon of stability and order, in an otherwise volatile region.The country is consistently ranked as one of the safest in the world, and residents appreciate the effort it takes to build this sanctuary amidst regional tensions.Syed Azeem Shah, a 39-year old Indian digital creative manager living in Dubai, said it’s all thanks to the vision of the leadership, and the bravery of the country’s Armed Forces.He explained: “Even in uncertain times, there’s a strong sense of calm and confidence that the country knows how to navigate challenges while keeping people safe and supported. The UAE Armed Forces has done an excellent job of defending the country and instilling a sense of safety among residents. Throughout this blatant aggression by Iran, I have not once considered leaving the country. They do everything they can to help and support the community, going beyond just military duty and assisting with humanitarian missions as well.” Arsh Naqvi, an Indian sales and marketing professional based in Dubai, echoed his sentiment: “The UAE Armed Forces gives me a strong sense of security and pride, with their courage and commitment.” Ghada Soliman, chief stewardess at Super Yachts, and the CEO of Inner Harbour, a coaching practice for yacht crew members, said that people don’t think about the effort that goes on, behind the scenes, to keep the country safe and prosperous in uncertain times.The Egyptian national said: “The UAE Armed Forces is on another level. These people stay out there, protecting us while we sleep, go to work and live our lives. They are making a magnificent effort to keep us safe. We can’t thank them enough for their sacrifices and the amazing job they are doing, during hard times.” Unity in diversityThe umbrella of security by the UAE’s line of defence allows residents to go about living their best life, with the assurance that they are well protected and cared for.This is when the UAE community thrives.Soliman said she was amazed by how residents came together when the Iran attacks first started: “I saw that many residents [opened up] their houses for travellers who were stuck in the UAE. I texted them to thank them for such a beautiful gesture. People were very helpful, keeping calm and supporting each other. It was beautiful and showed how grateful people are, to be in the UAE.”Naqvi has also experienced compassion and consideration from UAE residents over and over again. She said: “What I love most about the UAE is the people… so many cultures living together with respect and kindness. This country doesn’t just offer opportunities, it gives us a real sense of belonging.”Many feel the same way. A quick look at Instagram or X, and you’ll find trending hashtags like #ProudofUAE and #iLoveUAE, with thousands of love letters to the country – a testament to its heritage of hospitality.For Pakistani management consultant Wajiha Shamim, who grew up in Dubai, this notion of community is not new. It’s part of the essence of UAE: “It’s one of the most diverse and harmonious societies I’ve lived in, where people from different parts of the world coexist with mutual respect and a high standard of living. The sense of safety, opportunity, and inclusiveness makes it a place I’m grateful to be part of.”Shah added that residents exhibit “unity within the diversity” – something that’s unique to the UAE. He explained: “People from different backgrounds come together, support each other, and create a sense of belonging. Whether through emotional support or community-driven initiatives, there’s a genuine spirit of solidarity. There’s a strong sense of pride in being part of a nation that stands united, resilient, and forward-looking. It’s not just a place to live — it’s a place I feel proud to stand by.”