The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reported a significant increase in issuing certificates of origin in the last one year. This growth forwards the Emirates’ growing industrial base, increase in trade activity, and to reduce dependence on oil exports.
Certificate of origin: their role and relevance
The original certificate (COO) acts as an official document that confirms that in a shipment the goods are fully received, produced, manufactured or processed in a specific country. These certificates are important tools in international trade, help businesses in clear customs, determine the applicable tariffs, and follow the import rules in the target markets. In Saudi Arabia and beyond GCC, a valid COO is often mandatory for both exports and imports. Without this, companies face a lump sum rejection of delays in shipment, regulatory punishment, or goods. In this context, Chambers of Commerce, such as one in Abu Dhabi, plays a central role, acts as authorized bodies to issue these certificates.
Increase in issuing COO reflects increasing export pace
Between June 2024 and June 2025, the Abu Dhabi Chamber recorded an increase of 10.3 percent in the number of COS issued. This development increases economic activity in the wider and more active base of local exporters as well as non-oil areas. The Chamber attributes this to this uptic for the growing industrial capacity of Abu Dhabi and its growing reputation as a major regional player in trade and investment. By sector, the bulk of these COOs was released to the businesses involved in chemicals, metals and engineering – all areas that point to a strong and diverse manufacturing ecosystem. In particular, small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) have increased participation in export activities, which is powered by the support mechanism provided by the chamber. These include special training programs, commercial matchmaking efforts and cooperation with regional and international business institutions. The broad export landscape also aligns with these trends. During the first half of 2025, the non-oil foreign trade of Abu Dhabi increased by 34.7 percent. Within this, non-oil exports increased by 64 percent, again exports increased by 35 percent, and imports increased by 15 percent. These figures manufacture the previous year’s performance, which also saw a strong growth: Non-oil trade increased by 9 percent, exports increased by 16 percent, and imports increased by 3 percent.
Strategic implications for Abu Dhabi’s economy
The increasing number of certificates of origin being issued by Abu Dhabi Chamber is seen by its leadership a strong indicator of vitality of the export sector and a reflection of deep integration of the Emirates with a global trade network. Shamis Al Dhaheri, the second vice-president and managing director of the Chamber, considers this continuous growth to be a clear evidence of the competition of Abu Dhabi-based companies and their growing ability to enter and flourish into international markets. Al Dhaheri has blamed this speed not only for the confidence of the market in locally produced goods, but also for the continuous investment of the Chamber in support of the export-export businesses. He said that Abu Dhabi companies, especially small and medium -sized enterprises, export training to expand their global footprints, market access programs and strategic business partnership are rapidly benefiting the services of the Chamber. He also emphasized that the Chamber focuses on enabling exporters to benefit from customs benefits provided by bilateral and multilateral agreements. With the COOS valid the National Origin of Goods, the UAE is located in a better position to benefit the products from preferential trade conditions, giving them a more competitive increase in international markets. According to him, the Chamber sees the certificate of origin as more than administrative equipment; They are the entrance to new economic opportunities. He pointed to the ongoing efforts of the Chamber to advocate the private sector as part of a comprehensive strategy to increase his digital infrastructure and to make the economy of Abu Dhabi more flexible and globally. Al Dhaheri underlined that the current indicators not only confirm the strength of the services of the Chamber, but are also growing contributions to the national economic goals of the private sector. Increase in export activity, especially among SMEs, is seen as a solid result of the diversification agenda of the Emirates and its efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Institutional role of Abu Dhabi Chamber
In 1969, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was established to promote and protect the interests of businesses operated in the Emirates. For decades, it has evolved into a central platform for dialogue between the private sector and the government, which supports enterprise development in areas. The chamber continuously hosted the trade delegation, policy discussion and border trading forums. These activities help in the global standing of Abu Dhabi and attracting foreign direct investment. Equally recognized by the leadership and professional community, the Chamber’s programs serve as prominent promoters of the economic ambitions of Emirates. According to this mission, the Chamber continues to invest its digital infrastructure and expand its export-related services. It not only sees the recent growth in COOS as a positive trade indicator, but is a sign of flexibility, adaptability and increasing maturity within the private sector of Abu Dhabi.
