As compared to the same month of last year, the volume of Dubai Chamber member exports and re-exports increased by nearly 24% to Dhs22.1 billion in March 2021, according to the organization.

The price of member exports and re-exports increased by 6.5% year over year to Dhs 54.8 billion in the first quarter of 2021, indicating growing momentum and increased trade activity in Dubai.

The Chamber issued a total of 166,759 certificates of source in the first quarter of this year, with a maximum of 62,235 certificates in March, indicating signs of a turnaround in the trade sector and increased economic competitiveness.

In the first three months of 2021, over 6,000 new member companies entered Dubai Chamber, representing a 38.6% year-on-year increase. The increase in membership comes after the announcement of many new initiatives and policies over the last year that have improved Dubai's value proposition for international investors and businesses.

The Chamber handled 174,000 electronic transfers in Q1-2021. The number of ATA Carnets released and obtained by the Chamber time totaled 965, totaling Dhs 1.4 billion.

The figures, according to Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represent developing market conditions in Dubai, and the positive impact of various stimulus packages and business-friendly initiatives, improved logistics networks, increased working to expand the emirate's international trade.

By identifying bilateral investment opportunities, fostering the emirate as a global business hub, and supporting foreign investors who choose to join the market, Dubai Chamber's 11 international offices play a critical role in extending Dubai's trade relations with emerging markets around the world, according to Buamim.

The Task Force on Green Buildings of the Dubai Chamber recently hosted a webinar that looked at the effect of Covid-19 on green building strategies and outlined the main impacts related to refurbishing commercial buildings.

Members of the working group presented case studies that showed how businesses can introduce creative strategies in their offices to enhance employee health and well-being. The future of the refurbishing industry in Dubai was also discussed.

The House of DSM, according to Faisal Rashid, Senior Director Demand Side Management (DSM) at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, brings together various programs and organizations that fulfill the government's target of saving 30% of electricity and water by 2030. Building retrofitting is an expenditure that helps to achieve more advanced buildings that use fewer materials, according to Rashid, who also noted that there are policies in place to control energy requirements.

Serco Middle East's Vibhor Bhatnagar, Senior Engineer Energy Sustainability and Technical Services, discussed several global examples that highlight the importance of proper social distancing and ventilation in preventing virus transmission in buildings.

Tim Sephton, Managing Partner at Iterum, Michael Horne, Principal Microbiologist, and John Downey, Regional Manager Building Sciences at Intertek, addressed research results in a joint presentation with Iterum and Intertek, which highlighted the significance of ensuring surface hygiene and sufficient air quality to ensure Covid-19 transmissions do not occur inside a building.

Utpal Joshi, Daikin Middle East's Regional Consulting Sales Manager, defined the numerous indoor environmental quality solutions available to maintain proper ventilation and prevent COVID-19 transmission in closed spaces. To prevent virus transmission, Utpal emphasized the importance of well-maintained air conditioners. He also addressed the various general and technical steps must be put in place at Daikin Middle East offices to ensure that employee health and well-being .

Biyas Baby, Farnek's Senior Energy Consultant, addressed the worker lodging building, Farnek Village, which was recently established amid the pandemic, and the numerous challenges faced, including health and safety,scarcity of workforce and shipment delays. Periodic PCR checks, use of in-house staff and services and local distribution of materials are all examples of solutions. Indoor air quality and ventilation, energy and water-saving systems, condensate water recovery, sanitization of the buildings, and condensate water recovery are all included in the building's efficiency and health and wellness features.