In the heart of Umm Al Quwain City, behind the walls of an interestingly-shaped and colourful building, lies one of its most respected institutions. Dedicated to aiding the private sector in expanding its opportunities both locally and internationally, the UAQ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UAQCCI) provides its members with a ‘user-friendly’ type of service that caters to all of their entrepreneurial needs.
“We like to consider ourselves as more of a club for the private sector,” explains Humaid Mohammad Ali Ben Salem, leader and visionary of the Chamber. “We make all of our members feel comfortable when they come and see us. The entire building and waiting areas are specially designed to make everyone feel right at home”.
The UAQCCI prides itself on having a different kind of relationship with its members than other chambers. It not only serves as the organized voice of the private sector, but also as a helping hand and reliable counsellor. The institution represents members before the Government for any issues impacting on their businesses, advises in ways to boost or start their entrepreneurial ventures, as well as supporting local companies when seeking contacts in other countries.
“The Chamber aids in establishing business and in helping existing businesses to improve and find new channels, partners and markets to either buy the goods they need, to sell their goods or to provide services they require”, assures Mr Ali Ben Salem. “We listen to the people at the Chamber of Commerce and we assist them the best we can. We go the extra mile, as they say”.
And the ‘extra mile’ they do go. In 2009, the Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla Program for Supporting Youth Enterprises was established, issued by His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Rahid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and operated under the umbrella of Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The program aims to support young business people and involve owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Emirate. It offers young entrepreneurs numerous concessions, guides them in feasibility studies, evaluates projects and examines the possibility of supporting schemes, as well as exempting projects, especially technically-advanced and creative ventures, from fees.
Thanks to the Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Emirate’s private sector is growing and picking up pace, close behind its neighbours in the North. UAQ is heading in the right direction. “We know we are a small emirate’, accepts Mr Ali Ben Salem, “but we have big ambitions and an even bigger vision”.
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