{
  "id": 6420389,
  "title": "Why Dubai is becoming a key gateway for ASEAN businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/why-dubai-is-becoming-a-key-gateway-for-asean-businesses",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T11:18:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/business/why-dubai-is-becoming-a-key-gateway-for-asean-businesses-1.500668461"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai is becoming a crucial gateway for businesses from Southeast Asia, according to representatives from the ASEAN Business Council Alliance. The growing potential for expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe was highlighted at a business event titled \"Expanding From Southeast Asia Through Dubai\" on September 8. The event brought together ambassadors, business council representatives, and selected member companies for a focused discussion on expanding business through Dubai's specialized ecosystems.\n\nThe Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC-DNE) participated alongside DMCC and business councils representing Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. Key figures present included the Philippine ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ver, and the events director of PBC-DNE, Mariben Eustaquio.\n\nEustaquio identified the potential for increased trade, investment, and business partnerships between ASEAN and the UAE as the most significant takeaway from the gathering. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) between the UAE and several Southeast Asian countries already provide reduced tariffs and easier market access. However, these agreements alone are not sufficient for companies seeking to enter new markets.\n\nDubai can assist by offering a well-established business community, banking, logistics, the right partners, and a strong network. Eustaquio emphasized that this two-way opportunity presents a unique chance for ASEAN and UAE companies to explore each other's markets and develop stronger connections.\n\nThe event also highlighted the growing collaboration among ASEAN business communities in the UAE. Fahmy Ansara Dahalan, chairman of the Malaysian Business Council UAE, stressed the importance of working together as a regional network to build stronger connections and opportunities for Malaysia-UAE and ASEAN-UAE business ties. Brent Yap Hon Yean, legal advisor to the Malaysian Business Council, added that businesses should consider Dubai as a regional headquarters and capital-access platform for their expansion plans.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Dubai is emerging as a key gateway for businesses from Southeast Asia seeking to enter the UAE and expand into the wider Middle East, Africa, and Europe, according to business leaders from the ASEAN Business Council Alliance. The growing opportunity has been highlighted at a business gathering titled “Expanding From Southeast Asia Through Dubai,” held on September 8, which brought together…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}