The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the establishment of the Restaurants Business Group, a new organisation that will support the restaurant sector in Dubai by unifying the voices of member companies.

The business group, operating as a non-profit body under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber, will serve common interests and tackle sector challenges through cooperation with relevant authorities in the emirate.

Joined by a wide variety of restaurant businesses in Dubai, the group provides a platform for member companies to share knowledge and make policy recommendations, with the aim of improving ease of doing business in sector.

During a recent virtual meeting, Mubarak Bin Fahad, owner – The Tashas Group was appointed as chairman of the Restaurants Business Group. Founding Executive Committee members were selected, while the business group outlined its objectives and plans for 2020.

For his part, H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber, said that the establishment of the business group comes at the right time as the business community deals with the impact of COVID-19. As restaurants reopen under new guidelines, the group will play an essential role in addressing common issues and helping industry players navigate new challenges and adjust to the new normal, he explained.

H.E. Buamim noted that the business group advances Dubai Chamber’s efforts to get business back on track and help companies prepare for the post-COVID recovery. He stressed the crucial role that business groups and councils play in driving sustainable growth and enhancing economic competitiveness, adding that Dubai Chamber is working closely with the Restaurant Business Group and other sector-focused business groups to support the development of business in Dubai, promote constructive dialogue and foster public-private sector cooperation.

Mubarak Bin Fahd, chairman of the Dubai Restaurants Business Group, noted that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry players are coming together to address common challenges, embracing innovation and creating new delivery platforms.

“The Dubai Restaurants Business Group will help this cause, bringing the private and public sectors closer together to create a sustainable and even more positive future for the F&B industry in the city. Dubai is the leading food destination in the world, and I’m proud to be part of this exciting phase in its development. Together we will not only get the industry back on track, but forge a new and exciting future,” said Bin Fahd.