Below a comprehensive list of Business Councils, provided by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (www.dubaichamber.com/who-we-are/about-dubai-chamber) was established in 1965. It’s a non-profit public organization whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. It does so by creating a favorable environment; promoting Dubai as an international business hub and by supporting the development of business.

Through these Business Councils, Dubai aims to boost economic co-operation and enhance commerce between the business communities of Dubai, as well as the bilateral trade relations between countries.

I am personally a member of the Netherlands Business Council (see www.nbcdubai.com) and have attended events organised by others too in the UAE. They have been excellent. I recommend joining one or several, whether you are new to the Middle East or have been on the ground for some time already.