Dubai is an attractive destination for international investment and is a platform for business in the wider Middle East region. As a result, Dubai Chamber members should launch more constructive programmes to attract global companies, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said Tuesday.

Shaikh Mohammad Tuesday visited the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he was briefed on a number of national economic activities.

Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also present.

Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber, welcomed Shaikh Mohammad's visit, which he said provides an opportunity to consult Shaikh Mohammad for his opinion and wise directives, which the Chamber will work on implementing to further enhance its role in building a strong business community in Dubai and extend bridges of communication with various countries and financial communities, both locally and abroad.

Al Ghurair said this helps the Chamber achieve its main goals to attract more companies and investors, in addition to creating a conducive environment for investments.

At the meeting hall, Shaikh Mohammad listened to a presentation by Hamad Bu Amim, Director General of the Chamber, about the chamber's role, initiatives and strategies, as well as its participation in events both locally and abroad, such as investment and economic conferences that aim to promote Dubai as a global destination for investments and a dignified life.

The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, and other senior officials.

Following the presentation, Shaikh Mohammad expressed his satisfaction with the Chamber's efforts and its positive role in stimulating economic activity in Dubai and providing the facilities that serve investors, businessmen and companies. He said this further enhanced Dubai's global and commercial reputation.

Shaikh Mohammad instructed the Chamber's chairman and board members to launch more initiatives to encourage international companies to come to the UAE and invest without having to go through complicated procedures.

Shaikh Mohammad pointed out the positive role played by Dubai International Airport in attracting regional and global airlines thanks to the high standard of facilities offered by the Civil Aviation Authority. He said despite the availability of alternatives, Dubai airport remained the preferred destination for these airlines thanks to the airport's swift completion of procedures, its facilities, and logistics benefits as well as its exceptional Arabian hospitality.

Shaikh Mohammad urged the Chamber's members to launch more constructive initiatives based on attractive incentives to draw more international companies seeking promising markets in the region and in Africa, Eastern Europe and the post-Soviet states. Shaikh Mohammad said Dubai is a favoured destination for investment and a portal to these markets.