Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) reported notable momentum in the first half of 2022, with 19,008 certificates of origin issued that collectively exceeded Dhs4.3 billion in value. This performance marks a meaningful increase from the previous year’s H1 figures, when 16,768 certificates were issued totaling around Dhs4.1 billion. The year-over-year rise translates into a 13 percent growth rate, signaling stronger activity in Ajman’s export and re-export channels and reflecting the emirate’s expanding role in regional and global trade. The data were disseminated by the state news agency and underscore Ajman’s continuing evolution into a logistics- and trade-centric hub, underpinned by several structural and policy initiatives designed to streamline international commerce.
In a wider context, Ajman’s leadership echoed through ACCI’s chairman, Abdullah Al Muwaiji, who highlighted the emirate’s broad set of enabling factors that support export growth. He pointed to a combination of advanced infrastructure and a densely integrated road network that facilitates efficient movement of goods, alongside the flexibility of business licenses that reduces bureaucratic friction for exporters. The ease and speed of handling at Ajman’s port were singled out as critical accelerators for both export and re-export activities, enabling quicker turnaround times and reliable supply chain reliability. Al Muwaiji’s remarks suggest that Ajman’s competitive advantage rests on a cohesive ecosystem where transport, licensing, and logistics services align to shorten lead times and improve cost competitiveness for traders.
The geographic composition of Ajman’s export data for H1 2022 features Libya as the leading destination for Ajman-origin goods and re-exports, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This ranking highlights the emirate’s strong ties with North Africa and the wider Arab world, while also implying a diversified market base beyond traditional gateways. The reported product mix is dominated by oil derivatives, mineral fuels, and seafood, indicating Ajman’s role in processing and handling energy-related commodities and value-added seafood products for international markets. These categories reflect both Ajman’s port capacity for handling bulk and bulk-like cargo as well as the presence of value chains that convert raw resources into export-ready goods. Al Muwaiji’s assessment suggests that Ajman’s export trajectory benefits from sectors with established demand and relatively steady trade flows, supported by reliable logistics and sector-specific know-how.
Against this backdrop, the Ajman Chamber is actively pursuing diversification of service channels to accelerate access to export documentation and related services. The ACCI aims to make the certificate of origin process more frictionless by enabling requests through its official website, in addition to the traditional option of visiting the chamber’s service center at its headquarters. This shift toward digitalization is intended to reduce processing times, improve transparency for applicants, and enhance the overall user experience for traders who rely on timely documentation to meet international shipment deadlines. By combining online access with in-person support, the ACCI seeks to balance convenience with personalized assistance for complex transactions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that may be navigating international trade compliance requirements for the first time.
In parallel with service channel expansion, ACCI has published a suite of commercial reports designed to illuminate export opportunities across global markets for its members, traders, and industrial business owners. These insights aim to identify new markets, unlock underutilized corridors, and strengthen Ajman’s export diversification. The reported efforts align with broader national objectives to bolster domestic production and expand export volumes, ensuring that local producers can tap into higher-value markets and optimize their supply chains. The strategic value of these reports lies in their potential to inform decision-making, align business planning with demand signals, and reduce information asymmetries that often constrain small businesses from accessing international buyers and partners.
Importantly, the ACCI’s initiatives dovetail with the UAE’s ambitious “10×10” program, an economic strategy designed to elevate exports by focusing on ten global markets and driving a 10 percent annual increase in exports to those markets. This framework creates a structured pathway for Ajman-based exporters to scale their reach through targeted market development, enhanced trade facilitation, and closer engagement with international buyers. By tying certificate origin efficiency and market intelligence to the 10×10 program, the ACCI is reinforcing the mechanisms through which Ajman can participate more confidently in high-potential trade routes, while simultaneously supporting local production as part of a broader export-led growth model.
In recent developments that influence Ajman’s cost structures and operational efficiency more broadly, the Ajman Department of Finance announced a cloud-based upgrade in collaboration with a leading global cloud vendor. The move aims to implement a comprehensive resource management system hosted in the cloud, designed to modernize and streamline key functions across the department. The cloud-based platform is expected to facilitate more efficient management of financial processes, enhance visibility across the supply chain, and optimize human resources operations within the department. This digital transformation initiative is positioned as a cornerstone of Ajman’s broader strategy to improve governance, increase transparency, and enable data-driven decision-making across public sector activities, with potential spillover benefits for the business community through better service delivery and streamlined interface with government agencies.
This collective trajectory—strong certificate-of-origin activity, diversification of service channels, strategic export market focus, and digital modernization of government functions—positions Ajman to strengthen its competitive edge within the UAE’s federal framework and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council. The diversification of export channels and the emphasis on timely, accurate documentation are particularly relevant as global trade patterns continue to evolve in response to supply chain pressures, shifting demand, and the ongoing push toward digital transformation in both the public and private sectors. The combination of traditional logistics strength and contemporary digital infrastructure can help Ajman sustain export growth even as external conditions vary across markets and commodity cycles.
Section 2: Top Destinations and Product Mix: A Closer Look at Ajman’s Export Geography and Commodities
Ajman’s H1 2022 performance highlights a geographic concentration of exports and re-exports, with Libya emerging as the most prominent destination, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This distribution reflects Ajman’s proximity to regional markets, the emirate’s established shipping lanes, and the robust connectivity of its port infrastructure. Each destination presents its own set of opportunities and challenges, shaped by demand patterns, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics within the regional trade ecosystem. The predominance of oil derivatives and mineral fuels among Ajman’s export categories aligns with global demand for energy resources, while seafood represents value-added processing and handling capabilities that Ajman has cultivated through its logistical networks and supplier relationships.
From a market development perspective, the prominence of Libya as a top destination may reflect porous trade routes, established buyer networks, and Ajman’s competitive pricing and reliability in delivering energy-related and associated goods. Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading destination indicates the importance of Gulf markets for Ajman’s exporters, where proximity, cultural affinity, and complementary demand for energy-related products can sustain steady trade volumes. Egypt’s ranking underscores North Africa’s role as a major corridor for Ajman’s exports and re-exports, driven by a mix of industrial demand and consumer consumption in the Egyptian market. Taken together, the top destinations illustrate a regional footprint that leverages Ajman’s strengths in logistics, port efficiency, and product handling capabilities, while also highlighting opportunities to deepen penetration in each market through targeted marketing, certification readiness, and faster service delivery.
The product mix—oil derivatives, mineral fuels, and seafood—offers a window into Ajman’s trading profile and its integration with regional value chains. Oil derivatives and mineral fuels reflect Ajman’s capacity to handle energy-related commodities and participate in broader energy trade networks. Seafood underscores Ajman’s programmatic emphasis on value-added processing and cold-chain logistics to preserve quality during transit. The interplay between these product clusters and the emirate’s export destinations suggests that Ajman’s port and logistics ecosystem is well-suited to diverse cargo classes, ranging from energy-related shipments to perishable goods requiring controlled handling. This diversification helps mitigate exposure to any single commodity cycle and provides a buffer against price volatility in any one segment.
The implications for exporters and policy makers are multifaceted. For traders, the data reinforce the value of maintaining robust documentation, efficient customs clearance, and reliable logistics, all of which can reduce lead times and improve competitiveness in crowded markets. For the ACCI and public authorities, the geographic and product mix underscores the importance of market intelligence, targeted trade promotion, and tailored support services to help businesses identify niche opportunities within Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as other markets that may emerge as strategic corridors. The emphasis on oil derivatives and mineral fuels may also invite considerations of supply chain resilience, diversification within energy-related products, and value addition to maximize export revenue, especially in a context where global energy demand continues to influence trade flows.
In practice, exporters could leverage the ACCI’s digital services to align their certificates of origin with market entry requirements and to expedite shipments to these key destinations. The online platform for requesting certificates can reduce processing times, enabling exporters to respond quickly to buyer inquiries and changing orders. Additionally, the commercial reports produced by the ACCI can serve as a practical guide for tailoring product offerings to the preferences and regulatory environments of Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The synergy between market intelligence, transactional efficiency, and physical logistics creates a virtuous cycle—exporters can reach target markets more reliably, while the ACCI can collect insights that refine support programs and messaging for Ajman’s export community.
From an economic development standpoint, the concentration in these markets does not preclude the opportunity to expand into additional corridors. The 10×10 program’s framework can be interpreted as an invitation to scale beyond the current top destinations, to test new markets with similar demand profiles, and to build a diversified portfolio of export destinations that reduces dependence on any single country. For policymakers, this means continuing to invest in trade facilitation, ensuring port readiness to handle a broader range of cargo types, and sustaining the digital tools that help exporters navigate complex international requirements efficiently. In addition, ongoing work around licensing flexibility and streamlined regulatory processes remains essential to sustaining Ajman’s competitiveness as a preferred trading hub for both local and international businesses.
Section 3: Diversifying Access to Services and Accelerating Digital Trade Facilitation
Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is actively pursuing a broader strategy to diversify its service channels and accelerate the delivery of trade documentation. By expanding access points and embracing digital channels, ACCI aims to deliver faster, more reliable support to exporters, traders, and industrial operators who depend on certificates of origin for cross-border shipments. The shift toward digital-first service delivery is designed to complement in-person assistance at the ACCI’s headquarters service center, providing a flexible, responsive framework tailored to the needs of diverse user groups. The ultimate objective is to shorten processing times, minimize bureaucratic friction, and improve the predictability of export workflows for Ajman’s business community.
The online certificate origin service represents a significant step toward greater accessibility and efficiency. Traders can initiate requests remotely, track progress, and receive notifications at key milestones in the processing cycle. This digital capability reduces the need for physical visits and enables exporters to manage documentation alongside their day-to-day operations, particularly for those with tight schedules and international shipment deadlines. The availability of online services also supports small and medium-sized enterprises that may lack dedicated compliance teams, helping them stay competitive by ensuring timely documentation and consistent adherence to international trade requirements.
At the same time, ACCI emphasizes the importance of maintaining a service center at its physical headquarters to support more complex transactions and to provide hands-on guidance for exporters. In-person support remains valuable for cases that require nuanced interpretation of origin rules, attestation, or cross-border compliance checks. By offering a hybrid model that combines digital access with personalized, expert assistance, ACCI seeks to accommodate a wide range of user needs and to reduce the risk of misinterpretation or errors that could cause shipment delays or revenue losses. The hybrid approach also enables the chamber to collect direct feedback from users, allowing for iterative improvements to service design and process flow based on real-world experience.
Beyond these core services, ACCI’s broader initiative includes producing targeted commercial reports that help members, traders, and industrial business owners identify and act on export opportunities across global markets. These reports serve as practical decision-support tools, translating macro-trade data into actionable insights about demand trends, competitive pricing, regulatory changes, and potential partner networks. The intention is to empower Ajman’s business community to pursue new opportunities with greater confidence, informed by data-driven market intelligence and aligned with the emirate’s overall export strategy. The emphasis on information dissemination demonstrates ACCI’s commitment to knowledge-based growth and its role as a trusted intermediary between local producers and international buyers.
This continuous push toward service diversification exists in tandem with broader UAE national goals to modernize public and private sector interactions through digital channels. The digitalization drive has implications for cost efficiency, accuracy, and service reliability, all of which contribute to a more favorable business environment for exporters operating in Ajman. In addition, the online and hybrid service model can support more resilient operations by enabling remote processing during disruptions that affect physical access to offices or in-country travel. For traders, this means improved ability to prepare, file, and secure certificates in a timely manner, reducing the risk of shipment delays and helping businesses maintain reliable supply chains.
In practice, these service enhancements may also influence how exporters plan their production and shipping schedules. When documentation is readily accessible online and processing times are predictable, exporters can synchronize their production cycles with logistics windows more effectively. The result is a smoother flow of goods through Ajman’s port facilities and faster entry into global markets. The ACCI’s emphasis on digital and hybrid service delivery demonstrates a strategic intent to align with modern trade practices, where seamless documentation and rapid response times are central to maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. This approach supports not only Ajman’s current performance but also its longer-term aim of becoming a more influential node in regional and international trade networks.
Section 4: Export Intelligence, Market Access, and the 10×10 Growth Blueprint
A central element of ACCI’s strategy is the dissemination of commercial reports that illuminate export opportunities across international markets. These reports are designed to assist ACCI members, traders, and industrial business owners in identifying viable markets, assessing demand conditions, and recognizing entry points that can translate into tangible export opportunities. By translating macroeconomic signals into practical guidance, the chamber seeks to bridge information gaps that often limit the ability of local firms to expand beyond familiar markets. The reports thereby support decision-making processes that drive the diversification and expansion of Ajman’s export portfolio, a critical objective in a highly competitive global trade environment.
Integral to these efforts is alignment with the UAE’s strategic initiative known as the 10×10 program. The program targets ten global markets and sets a bold goal of achieving a ten percent annual growth rate in exports to those markets. This framework functions as both a roadmap and a performance benchmark for Ajman-based exporters, encouraging a disciplined approach to market entry, relationship-building with international buyers, and the development of competitive capabilities in product quality, certification, logistics, and after-sales service. The ACCI’s market intelligence and export-support services are designed to operationalize this program by identifying markets with high growth potential, advising on regulatory prerequisites, and facilitating introductions to potential trading partners.
The 10×10 strategy also has implications for how Ajman can diversify its export streams. By focusing on a prioritized set of markets, exporters can allocate resources more efficiently, optimize their product mix to meet the preferences and regulatory requirements of target markets, and adjust pricing strategies to reflect local demand dynamics. In practice, this means that the ACCI’s commercial reports, when coupled with online service access and potential consultancy support, can become a powerful engine for export development. The outcome is a more resilient local economy that benefits from curated market exposure, improved buyer networks, and better alignment between Ajman’s production capabilities and global demand.
From a policy perspective, the 10×10 framework supports a coordinated approach to export growth that integrates public and private sector efforts. For exporters, it means clearer targets, more concrete timelines, and access to tailored resources that help them pursue opportunities efficiently. For the ACCI, it represents a structured basis for prioritizing outreach, marketing campaigns, and capacity-building activities. The collaboration among the ACCI, local businesses, and national agencies is essential to ensuring that Ajman’s exporters can navigate the complexities of international trade, including regulatory compliance, certification requirements, and logistics coordination. The result should be a more systematic and scalable approach to expanding Ajman’s footprint in the global marketplace.
The export intelligence program, complemented by the digital services and the 10×10 growth blueprint, creates a coherent ecosystem in which information, processes, and markets reinforce one another. Exporters can tap into timely data and guidance, thereby reducing uncertainty and accelerating decision-making. In turn, improved exporter performance generates higher volumes of origin certificates, driving revenue and reinforcing the ACCI’s role as a central engine for trade facilitation in Ajman. That cycle—data-informed decision-making, streamlined service delivery, and targeted market development—helps to sustain Ajman’s export growth in both stable and volatile global trade environments.
Section 5: Public Sector Digital Transformation: Oracle Cloud in Ajman
In a parallel development to trade facilitation, Ajman’s Department of Finance has embarked on a significant digital transformation initiative by partnering with a leading cloud applications and infrastructure provider to adopt a cloud-based resource management system. The new system is designed to standardize and optimize critical back-office functions across finance, supply chain, and human resources. The cloud-based approach is expected to deliver a range of benefits, including improved efficiency, greater data accessibility, and enhanced collaboration across departments. By moving core processes to the cloud, the department aims to reduce operational complexity and enable more agile decision-making in response to evolving public service needs.
The cloud-based resource management system is anticipated to enhance governance and financial stewardship through real-time data insights, streamlined workflows, and integrated planning capabilities. For example, finance operations can benefit from more accurate budgeting, stronger controls, and faster reconciliation processes, while the supply chain function can gain improved visibility into procurement and inventory management. The human resources component is expected to support workforce planning, payroll, and performance management with greater precision and consistency. In aggregate, these improvements promise to raise the overall efficiency of Ajman’s public sector functions, which, in turn, can contribute to a more attractive operating environment for businesses that rely on timely and predictable public services.
The move to cloud infrastructure aligns with broader strategic objectives within the UAE to accelerate digital government, enhance transparency, and create a more service-oriented public sector. By leveraging a scalable, secure, and flexible platform, Ajman’s finance department can better accommodate growth in public demand, implement standardized processes, and respond more rapidly to policy changes or economic shifts. The cloud transition also supports data governance initiatives by enabling centralized data management, consistent reporting standards, and improved data integrity across departments. For businesses, the modernization of government operations can translate into more reliable regulatory interactions, faster processing of government services, and clearer guidance on compliance requirements.
From an implementation perspective, cloud adoption within a government context requires careful attention to data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. It also necessitates a robust change management program to ensure that staff adapt to new tools and workflows. In the Ajman context, successful deployment will likely involve phased rollouts, ongoing staff training, and strong vendor partnership to address evolving needs. The anticipated benefits extend beyond internal efficiency: a well-executed digital transformation can help catalyze private sector confidence, attract investment, and improve the ease of doing business in Ajman, aligning with the emirate’s broader strategy to diversify the economy and enhance competitiveness.
Together with ACCI’s trade facilitation efforts, the Oracle Cloud initiative represents a twin-track strategy of modernizing both the private sector’s export ecosystem and the public sector’s internal operations. The synergies between streamlined government services and efficient private sector processes can help Ajman establish a more predictable and business-friendly environment. Investors and traders may perceive Ajman as a forward-looking hub where digital sophistication supports efficient commerce, transparent governance, and stable policy implementation. The combined effect is a more resilient regional economy capable of absorbing shocks and seizing emerging opportunities in global trade, logistics, and public service delivery.
Section 6: Weaving Trade Facilitation, Market Access, and Digital Modernization into Ajman’s Economic Narrative
The convergence of robust export activity, diversified service delivery, targeted market development, and public sector modernization paints a cohesive picture of Ajman’s evolving economic strategy. The growth in certificates of origin in H1 2022 signals that exporters are increasingly leveraging Ajman’s logistic capabilities, port efficiency, and regulatory environment to capture cross-border demand. The presence of major destinations such as Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt confirms a strong regional integration that aligns with broader UAE objectives to strengthen trade corridors and enhance energy and seafood value chains. The product mix of oil derivatives, mineral fuels, and seafood reflects core competencies in handling energy-related commodities and high-value aquatic products, a combination that can support sustained export activity in the near term.
At the same time, ACCI’s push to diversify service channels and to empower exporters with digital tools underscores a recognition that speed, convenience, and reliability are central to maintaining competitiveness. Online certificates of origin, supported by in-person service options, create a more resilient service delivery model that can weather disruptions and respond to fluctuating demand. The commercial reports and the 10×10 market development program add a strategic layer that guides private sector action and public sector support toward high-potential markets and segments. This integrated approach aims to translate macroeconomic policy into tangible opportunities for Ajman’s exporters, fostering a cycle of investment, production, and export growth that strengthens the emirate’s role in the UAE’s broader economic ambitions.
The Oracle Cloud transformation of Ajman’s Department of Finance complements these efforts by delivering a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven government apparatus. The improved governance and operational efficiency can indirectly support the business community by shortening approval times, reducing bureaucratic friction, and enabling more predictable policy execution. For exporters, these improvements translate into a more stable environment in which to plan, finance, and execute cross-border shipments. The digital modernization of government processes also supports a broader narrative of Ajman embracing innovation as a core driver of growth, signaling to investors and market participants that the emirate is building the digital infrastructure necessary for a modern, globally connected economy.
From a strategic standpoint, Ajman’s trade facilitation initiatives, market-facing intelligence, and digital governance upgrades form a coherent plan to expand export capacity while improving the overall business climate. The alignment of private-sector capacity building with public-sector modernization creates synergies that can attract investment, improve productivity, and enhance Ajman’s international competitiveness. Such a framework also supports diversification away from reliance on any single sector, reinforcing resilience in a rapidly changing global trade environment. In practical terms, exporters can anticipate more streamlined documentation, better market information, and more predictable administrative processes—factors that collectively lower the barriers to international trade and encourage sustained growth.
Moving forward, several pathways appear likely to shape Ajman’s trajectory. Continued investment in port infrastructure, logistics services, and licensing flexibility will reinforce Ajman’s position as a preferred hub for export and re-export activities. The expansion of online services for documentation will further reduce barriers to entry for smaller firms, enabling broader participation in global markets. The 10×10 program’s market-centered framework will continue to provide a disciplined approach to international expansion, with ACCI’s reports and guidance helping firms identify and exploit opportunities in key corridors. The Oracle Cloud implementation will serve as a backbone for efficient governance, enabling better cross-department coordination and data-driven policy decisions that support sustainable economic growth.
Section 7: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategic Imperatives for Sustained Growth
While Ajman’s current trajectory shows promise, sustaining momentum will require addressing several challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Global commodity markets can be volatile, and Ajman’s emphasis on oil derivatives and mineral fuels means fluctuations in energy prices could affect export volumes and profitability. Maintaining port capacity and operational efficiency is essential to handle growing shipment volumes while preserving reliability and speed. The emirate will also need to monitor regulatory developments and maintain high standards of compliance to ensure continued access to key markets and to safeguard the integrity of origin documentation.
On the upside, Ajman’s diversified service offerings and digital initiatives create a solid platform for broader participation by small and medium-sized enterprises. The online origin certificate service lowers entry barriers for new exporters, while the ACCI’s market intelligence can help firms identify niche opportunities and tailor their product offerings to specific buyer requirements. The 10×10 program provides a clear growth target and a framework for collaboration among public and private stakeholders, which can translate into more effective trade promotion, faster market entry, and improved export performance. The Oracle Cloud migration within the public sector can further reduce costs and improve service delivery, reinforcing investor confidence and helping businesses plan around predictable, technology-enabled governance.
From a strategic perspective, Ajman should continue investing in the ecosystem that supports export-oriented activities. This includes maintaining and upgrading port infrastructure, expanding cold-chain capabilities for seafood shipments, and ensuring that licensing and regulatory regimes remain flexible enough to accommodate evolving trade patterns. It also means sustaining investment in digital tools, ensuring the security and resilience of online services, and promoting knowledge-sharing platforms that enable exporters to learn from peers and learn from market intelligence. By fostering collaboration among ACCI, government agencies, and private sector participants, Ajman can transform its export growth into a durable competitive advantage that supports long-term economic diversification and resilience.
Conclusion
Ajman’s first-half performance in 2022 underscores a robust and growing export and re-export footprint driven by a supportive ecosystem of infrastructure, licensing flexibility, and efficient port handling. The top destinations—Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—together with a product mix dominated by oil derivatives, mineral fuels, and seafood, illustrate a strategic alignment between Ajman’s capabilities and regional market demand. The ACCI’s efforts to diversify service channels, provide market intelligence, and align with the 10×10 growth program demonstrate a comprehensive approach to expanding Ajman’s footprint in global trade. The Ajman Department of Finance’s cloud-based digital transformation with Oracle further complements these trade facilitation efforts by modernizing government services and enabling more effective governance.
Taken together, these developments map a coherent trajectory for Ajman: a trade and logistics hub leveraging digital tools, market intelligence, and targeted export development to broaden its international reach and deepen value creation within its economy. The combined impact of streamlined documentation, digital service delivery, expanded market access, and a modernized public sector positions Ajman to sustain export growth amid a dynamic global trade environment. As the emirate continues to invest in its trade and technology ecosystems, Ajman is poised to strengthen its role as a pivotal gateway for the UAE’s diversified, export-led growth strategy—supporting local producers, attracting investment, and enhancing competitiveness on the global stage.
