Ajman Chamber sees 17% jump in Kuwaiti members

Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reported a 17% rise in memberships held by companies and investors from Kuwait, signalling deepening commercial ties and growing cross-border activity between the two Gulf economies.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Muwaiji, Chairman of the Ajman Chamber, said the increase reflects strong and deeply rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and the State of Kuwait, alongside improving business confidence in Ajman’s investment environment. He described the growth as an outcome of sustained engagement with Kuwaiti business groups and steady demand for Ajman-based opportunities across trade, services, industry and logistics.

The chamber data show that Kuwaiti investors are expanding their presence in sectors aligned with Ajman’s economic diversification agenda, including manufacturing, building materials, food processing, healthcare services, education, transport and general trading. Officials at the chamber say this pattern mirrors broader Gulf investment trends, where proximity, regulatory clarity and cost efficiency are shaping location choices.

Ajman has positioned itself as a competitive alternative within the UAE by offering comparatively lower operating costs, simplified licensing procedures and access to modern infrastructure. The emirate’s industrial zones, ports and road connectivity to other parts of the country have been cited by business leaders as key advantages, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises seeking regional reach without the overheads associated with larger markets.

Al Muwaiji noted that Kuwaiti entrepreneurs have shown interest not only in establishing wholly owned ventures but also in forming partnerships with local companies. Such collaborations, he said, have helped accelerate knowledge transfer, strengthen supply chains and create employment opportunities, while reinforcing the chamber’s role as a facilitator between investors and government entities.

The rise in Kuwaiti memberships also coincides with broader efforts by Ajman Chamber to intensify its economic outreach across the Gulf. Over the past year, the chamber has hosted business forums, trade delegations and networking events aimed at highlighting Ajman’s regulatory framework, incentives and sector-specific prospects. These initiatives have been designed to align with the UAE’s national strategy of attracting foreign direct investment while supporting sustainable growth at the emirate level.

Business leaders familiar with Gulf investment flows say Kuwait-based companies are increasingly looking outward as they seek diversification and access to fast-growing consumer markets. Ajman’s proximity to major ports, airports and distribution hubs, combined with the UAE’s stable policy environment, has made it an appealing base for regional operations.

Officials at the chamber point out that the membership growth is not limited to new entrants. Several Kuwaiti firms already registered in Ajman have expanded their activities, upgraded licences or added new lines of business. This expansionary behaviour, they argue, is a stronger indicator of confidence than initial registrations alone, as it reflects long-term commitment rather than exploratory investment.

The chamber has emphasised that it is continuing to refine its investor services to sustain momentum. Measures include digital licensing platforms, advisory support for regulatory compliance, and coordination with free zones and municipal authorities to streamline approvals. Al Muwaiji said these steps are essential to ensuring that Ajman remains responsive to investor needs amid intensifying competition among regional hubs.

Economic analysts view the 17% rise in Kuwaiti membership as part of a wider pattern of intra-Gulf economic integration. Trade and investment links between Gulf Cooperation Council states have been reinforced by shared infrastructure projects, harmonisation of standards and an expanding network of bilateral agreements. Ajman’s experience, they note, demonstrates how smaller emirates can leverage these frameworks to attract targeted investment.

At the same time, chamber officials acknowledge that sustaining growth will require continued focus on transparency, ease of doing business and sectoral development. They stress the importance of aligning investor attraction with workforce skills, environmental standards and long-term urban planning to avoid imbalances.