South African investment in Dubai has exceeded AED1bn ($272m) over the past five years, as economic ties between the two markets strengthen through trade, investment and business partnerships.
The milestone was highlighted during the Dubai-South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg, where Dubai Chambers highlighted growing investment flows and revealed that non-oil trade between Dubai and South Africa is set to reach AED29.2 billion ($8 billion) in 2025, representing a 265 percent increase over the past decade.
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, said South African investment in Dubai has surpassed AED1bn ($272m) during the past five years.
Investment has been concentrated in key sectors including information and communications technology, pharmaceuticals and food industries, along with other promising economic sectors.
Al Shamsi said Dubai Chambers Efforts are ongoing to help companies expand into global markets, particularly across Africa, which offers significant opportunities for trade and investment growth.
South African investment in Dubai
He expressed confidence that investment flows between Dubai and South Africa will continue to grow in the coming years, supported by initiatives designed to attract high-value investments and deepen economic cooperation.
The Dubai-South Africa Business Forum forms part of the 13th trade mission organized by Dubai Chambers to African markets from 2023 under its “New Horizons” initiative.
The program is designed to support businesses in discovering new opportunities, expanding internationally and building long-term partnerships.
The trade mission included representatives from 24 Dubai-based companies operating in sectors including construction and building materials, electronics, engineering, environmental solutions, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverages, healthcare, ICT and innovation, investment, manufacturing and retail.
Forum attracts over 500 participants
The Dubai-South Africa Business Forum was organized in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Pretoria, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
520 people were present at the event, including senior officials, business leaders and representatives of local companies.
Speakers included Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, and Advocate Matho Zulu, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa also made a presentation during the forum.
Al Shamsi said: “The rapid growth in trade between Dubai and South Africa reflects the depth of our growing economic partnership and underlines the strong ties between our markets.
Trade reaches $8 billion
“In line with our commitment to build on this positive momentum, we are continuing to expand joint collaboration and create high-quality opportunities that support business growth and enhance trade and investment flows.”
He said the trade mission provides an important platform to strengthen business ties and enable Dubai-based companies to explore opportunities in South Africa, which serves as a gateway to markets across the African continent.
The value of non-oil trade between the two countries is set to reach AED29.2bn ($8bn) in 2025.
According to Dubai Chambers, this represents a 265 percent increase over the past 10 years, with bilateral trade increasing from AED8bn ($2.2bn) in 2016.
The growing ties are also reflected in the membership figures of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Africa remains a strategic growth market
By the end of the first quarter of 2026, 873 South African companies were registered as active Chamber members, while 45 new South African companies joined during the first three months of the year.
Al Shamsi said Dubai Chambers' representative office in South Africa plays an important role in supporting companies entering the market and facilitating connections with the local business community.
The latest trade mission underlines Dubai's broader strategy to strengthen commercial ties with African economies and create new opportunities for businesses seeking international expansion.