Dubai: Dubai Chambers, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Chambers Federation (WCF), has launched the Chamber Benchmarking Tool. This initiative enables chambers of commerce to access best practices and compare their performance against regional and global averages in operational excellence and seven core roles and responsibilities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Chamber Benchmarking Tool was introduced during Dubai Chambers’ participation in the 14th World Chambers Congress (WCC) held in Melbourne, Australia, from September 2-4. The event attracted over 1,200 chamber leaders and officials from more than 100 countries. Recognized as the premier global gathering for chamber representatives, the WCC provides a vital platform for exchanging expertise, sharing insights, and building strategic international networks.
The newly launched tool aims to transform the global chamber ecosystem and redefine the added value chambers bring to business communities. It seeks to enhance institutional performance, empower chambers to deliver improved services, streamline processes, and achieve operational excellence.
The tool evaluates seven core roles that are fundamental to chambers worldwide. These roles include Economic Research and Business Intelligence, Advocacy and Policy Representation, International Trade and Investment Attraction, Training, Skills Development and Workforce Support, Networking and Business Collaboration, Advisory and Support Services, and Legal and Dispute Resolution.
The Chamber Benchmarking Tool also assesses key dimensions of internal operational excellence, such as Strategic Alignment and Execution, Process Excellence and Resource Efficiency, and Partnerships, along with Member Engagement and Satisfaction. Additionally, it covers People and Culture (Employee Engagement and Leadership), Innovation and Adaptability, Governance, and Financial and Commercial Impact.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated that the initiative reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for excellence and institutional innovation. He noted that it aligns with the emirate’s commitment to fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for business communities worldwide by promoting cross-border collaboration and advancing agile, forward-looking solutions.
John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General of the ICC, remarked that the launch marks a milestone in empowering chambers with the insights needed to thrive. He expressed gratitude to Dubai Chambers for their leadership and expertise, which were pivotal in realizing this vision.
The Chamber Benchmarking Tool offers a data-driven digital platform that benchmarks chamber performance against global standards. By identifying performance gaps and growth opportunities, it provides a clear pathway for enhancement aligned with international best practices. It delivers tailored recommendations to suit each chamber’s unique needs and unlocks access to a continuously updated centralized library of global case studies.
The development of the Chamber Benchmarking Tool was guided by a steering committee of leading local and international experts. The multi-stage process began with an in-depth analysis of 19 diverse chambers of commerce worldwide, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive evaluation framework and robust assessment mechanisms.