IFZA, Dubai’s most dynamic free zone community, has opened a representative office of Der Mittelstand. BVMW e. V. (BVMW), the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, in Dubai, marking a major step in strengthening UAE-German business relations.
IFZA has worked with the BVMW on many events and conferences and is proud to be the organization’s official representative in Dubai.
The official launch event took place at IFZA’s offices and welcomed notable attendees including Alexander Schönfelder, German Ambassador to the UAE, Senator a.D. Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of the Federal Executive Board of Der Mittelstand. BVMW e. V. and President of the European SME Association, and Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
IFZA’s CEO Jochen Knecht opened the event and the program featured panel discussions and networking opportunities, facilitating valuable exchange and connections. The launch of this representative office signals a strategic partnership aimed at fostering growth and cooperation between the UAE and Germany.
As IFZA expands its offerings, the office will serve as a key resource for German SMEs, providing essential support, strategic connections, and access to the UAE’s business-friendly environment to facilitate their success from Germany to Dubai and beyond. IFZA supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by bringing Foreign Direct Investment into the emirate.
Jochen Knecht CEO – IFZA
“The opening of the BVMW representative office in Dubai is a significant step in IFZA’s commitment to serve our partners and aligns with our strategy to attract foreign direct investment by taking Dubai to the world and bringing the world to Dubai. Establishing a representative office is key to our legacy-building efforts as we work to position the UAE as a global center of opportunity. Through this partnership, we are excited to strengthen our ties with the German market and create pathways for German SMEs to thrive within the UAE’s business-friendly environment.”
Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of the Federal Executive Board Der Mittelstand. BVMW e. V. commented that, “The Gulf region is among the fastest-growing globally, and we are pleased that our long-standing association with IFZA will help us strengthen our presence in the UAE market while supporting German businesses in achieving their goals. This office will serve as a focal point for connecting with local partners, providing a gateway to an extensive network that offers valuable insights into regional potential and dynamics. It creates a collaborative space that encourages trade, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth between Germany and the UAE.”
