Dubai Chambers has successfully hosted three workshops aimed at familiarising the local business community with key aspects of maritime law, data protection, and bounced cheques. The sessions were attended by a total of 226 participants from the private sector in the emirate.

The interactive workshops come as part of Dubai Chambers’ drive to raise awareness on the latest legislative developments impacting different sectors. The sessions were aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of companies operating in Dubai and supporting sustainable business growth by ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and the adoption of best practices.

The UAE Maritime Law workshop provided a comprehensive overview of Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023 on Maritime Law and was organised by Dubai Chambers in cooperation with Al Tamimi & Company. The session explored the legal obligations surrounding various types of Bills of Lading (BoL), including electronic BoLs, together with changes relating to the limitation of liability and the settlement of maritime disputes. Participants also discussed the different categories of marine insurance, legal issues relating to cargo insurance claims, and marine debris removal provisions.

The ‘Data Protection Compliance in Recruitment and Recruitment Practices’ webinar, which was presented in collaboration with Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants, examined the legal framework for compliance with data protection regulations in the UAE. The online session addressed the impact of data protection and privacy on companies’ handling of recruitment, employee record-keeping, and other human resources-related activities, as well as the transfer of employee data.

Dubai Chambers also organised a webinar on the implications of bounced cheques in cooperation with Clout Law Firm. The workshop sought to clarify the legal responsibilities arising from bounced cheques, in addition to the rights of beneficiaries and means of recourse available to resolve payment disputes.

Dubai Chambers organises regular legal awareness events to support the ability of private sector companies to comply with the latest legislative developments across various sectors, with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness of the local business community.

Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai’s vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services and access to influential networks. In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the restructuring of Dubai Chamber and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which now operate under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers.

Meanwhile Dubai Chambers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to enhance cooperation, strengthen economic and trade relations, and support the development of partnerships between the business communities in Dubai and Australia.

The MoU supports the sharing of data and expertise between the two parties and cooperation on studies and research relating to trade, investment, and the economy, as well as the latest developments surrounding legislation governing business. The agreement is aimed at strengthening relationships between the business communities in Dubai and Australia to achieve their mutual objectives and contribute to boosting bilateral trade and investments.

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, commented: “At Dubai Chambers, we are keen to strengthen international partnerships to support the expansion of local businesses in strategic global markets and attract international companies and investments to Dubai.

The MoU with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry comes as part of our ongoing efforts to develop trade and investment prospects for the private sector and will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and driving growth and prosperity in both markets.”

Lyall Gorman, Deputy President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commented: “I am delighted to formalise this MoU between Dubai Chambers and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The opportunity for our two organisations to engage more fully for mutual benefit are significant in their nature. I look forward to ongoing strategic dialogue between our organisations with a view to enhancing economic activity, information exchange, and connectivity at all levels of business.

Both Dubai Chambers and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are extremely progressive and highly regarded within their respective regions, and I am confident that a high level of value exchange will emerge as a result of coming together under the umbrella of this MoU.”