Message from our Chair
Welcome to the Australian Business Council Dubai, where we proudly celebrate the enduring relationship between Australia and the UAE. For nearly 50 years, our two nations have shared a commitment to fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, creating a strong and vibrant partnership.
With the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), we are entering an exciting new era of collaboration. At ABC, we are dedicated to working closely with both governments to turn this agreement into real opportunities, further strengthening our economic ties and helping Australian businesses thrive in the region.
Our recent unity agreement with the Australian Business Group Abu Dhabi reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting Australians in the UAE. By joining forces, we’re amplifying opportunities for businesses and fostering deeper connections within the community. This collaboration allows us to offer a unified platform that not only empowers our members but also strengthens the bonds between our two nations.
As you explore our website, we invite you to discover how ABC Dubai can support you, whether you are an established business, a newcomer to the region, or an individual seeking to connect with the Australian community here. Together, we can embrace the opportunities ahead, build on the foundations of friendship and cooperation, and make a lasting impact in both Australia and the UAE.
Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to working together.
Warm regards,
Dr Naim Maadad, Chair and CEO of Gates Hospitality
Profile of the Australian Business Council
The Australian Business Council is a dynamic, business-focused not-for-profit organisation that aims to inform and support our expat community living and working in Dubai and across the GCC. We are proud to be the largest and oldest Australian business group in the Gulf and are a respected voice of the Australian business community in the UAE. Our mission is to support and nurture the Australian community in the UAE through an active events calendar, information sharing and business connections.
Membership is open to local branches of Australian companies, agents of Australian companies, companies or individuals who have business relationships with Australia, Australian citizens working in the Gulf, Alumni of Australian Universities in Dubai and Emirati companies.
History of The Australian Business Council
Australian Business in the Gulf (ABIG), was the was original name of the ABC and was originally conceived in 1993 by the then Australian Consul General and senior Trade Commissioner, Robert Sheppard, as an outcome of gathering together various Australian businessmen at informal lunches and networking events.
In1994, Robert’s successor, Peter Deacon, received overwhelming support to create a formal organization (based on the structure of AustCham in HK) in Dubai. Volunteers for the first Board were called for and the inaugural meeting took place on 31st August 1994.
The US and UK had similar organisations but there was no legislation to allow foreign 'Chambers'. Peter met with the then head of Dubai Chamber and the deputy head of the Dubai Economic Department to seek a 'work around'. It became an unofficial group until legislation was introduced several years later.
In June of 2007 ABIG took the decision to change the name of the association to the Australian Business Council Dubai, a move designed to raise the profile of the group and to focus more upon the networking outcomes of the members. A further amendment to the constitution in February of 2019 changed the name to the Australian Business Council and facilitated the inclusion of Australian Community organisations to further support not just Australian businesses and businesspeople but also their families and the wider Australian community living and working in Dubai and surrounding regions.
