Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) inaugurates its first international office in Hong Kong

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) Director General inaugurated the first DDIA international office in the Asian pacific region in Hong Kong which comes in line with the efforts of UAE and Dubai to open up new investment opportunities based on strategic plans targeting millions of investors capable of contributing to the economic and investment movement in the UAE.

'The opening of this office comes within DDIA's strategic vision to develop its operations in markets which influence UAE's position as an international business hub that attracts large international companies to set up their headquarters in the UAE to service their markets across a wide geographic region extending from East Asia to West Africa'.

Al Muntafiq confirmed that through the new DDIA office Dubai will work on strengthening its share in Hong Kong's international investments which exceed $350 Billion.

He added, 'We have been working on a number of researches and studies focused on expanding DDIA's activities regionally and internationally supporting the position of the country as an attractive business and investment centre. The establishment of the DDIA office in Hong Kong is the first step which will be followed by several other initiatives by the Authority. The Hong Kong office will offer various services that introduce investment opportunities in Dubai and the UAE and build network and relationships with investors, local government bodies, and companies looking to work in the Dubai market'.

Al Muntafiq said that choosing the Asian and Pacific region as DDIA's regional headquarter reflects the importance of the region's investment position as compared to other active markets, and the presence of a group of established companies and investors, with whom the Authority is keen on developing its relationship and forming long term strategic alliances.

Al Muntafiq also announced the appointment of Arif Mubarak as the Director of the DDIA Asian Pacific office in Hong Kong, which would act as a communication point between investors in Dubai and Asia, and as a centre to attract investments to the UAE.

Al Muntafiq clarified that Arif Mubarak's appointment as the Director of the regional office reflects faith in his abilities to efficiently manage the team so as to serve the Authority's objectives and contribute towards strengthening its role internationally and facilitating the flow of FDI.

Arif Mubarak said that the office will work as a gateway to open new horizons and offer investment opportunities while at the same time fostering relationship with Asian investors. The office would also contribute in creating an active communication network with the business community in Asia and UAE.

Mubarak added, 'The office will work on building relationships with financial enterprises and business men to encourage greater investments in Dubai and the UAE on one side, and the Asian continent on the other. The office will play an active role in strengthening friendly relationships with governments bodies and commercial enterprises in the Asian countries in order to create investment opportunities which have high standards of transparency and low risk, it will offer investment opportunities in Dubai and the UAE, and introduce the investors to important projects through a wide database which would help the Asian investors interested in investing in Dubai and the UAE to take the right decisions'.

He further said, 'The office will focus on attracting FDI from the Asian pacific region, promoting leading projects launched by local market, in addition to extending DDIA's one stop shop services for setup and registration to Asian pacific investors.'

DDIA's Director General confirmed the Authority's commitment to garner greater efforts towards contributing effectively in the country's development through supporting local investments, and ensuring increased foreign investments in Dubai and the UAE.

DDIA Asian pacific regional office will act as a unique investment proposition offering diverse services to Asian investors without the need to fly to Dubai to look for investment opportunities. The office will also act as a gateway to build relationships, create opportunities, and attract investors, as Dubai opens its doors to all investors in a rapidly developing continent.