As part of its ongoing efforts to support small businesses, the Al Ain branch of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a new initiative to engage directly with enterprises in the retail, tourism, and agricultural sectors.

The initiative aims to identify the key needs and challenges faced by small business owners, inform more responsive trade policies, and strengthen the Chamber’s presence across the emirate.

By conducting direct field visits, the program is gathering practical insights to enable data-driven decision-making and more targeted support strategies.

In its first phase, Chamber representatives visited a variety of businesses in Al Ain, allowing them to observe operations firsthand and engage directly with business owners.

Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said the initiative reflects the Chamber’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

“At the Abu Dhabi Chamber, we see entrepreneurs and small enterprises as essential pillars of a resilient and future-ready economy. These field visits are more than a listening exercise — they are a platform for real partnership. By engaging directly with business owners, we are transforming challenges into concrete opportunities for growth, expansion, and long-term impact,” Al Dhaheri said.

He added that the Chamber’s Al Ain branch plays a vital developmental role within the broader Chamber network, and that the initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities and its vision to position the emirate as a regional hub for business and investment.

During the visits, the Chamber identified nine potential areas for enhancing the local business environment.

The tour included a diverse mix of enterprises, from major malls such as Hili, Bawadi, and Al Ain Mall, to hospitality providers like Ayla Grand Hotel, and tourism businesses such as Al Amaan Travel. It also spotlighted innovative local ventures, including Deep Café, Could Be Flower & Café, and Al Narjes Nursery, which hosts a range of community-driven projects.

Through this initiative, the Chamber aims to foster a more inclusive and resilient business ecosystem that supports small enterprises while advancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for business and investment.