The American Business Group (ABG) is a dues paying member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and part of the American Chambers of Commerce Abroad. The ABG is an independent, private, non-profit association of American Companies and individuals doing business in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The ABG exists solely on membership dues and activity fees.

The membership is comprised of American companies licensed in Abu Dhabi or having business relationships in Abu Dhabi; American individuals living in Abu Dhabi; select Emirati companies; and ABG affiliates that have proven they can contribute to the mission. ABG’s members currently stand at 400+ and 25 % of ABG’s corporate members were Fortune 500 listed in 2008. Corporate representatives are the highest two executives from each company.

The Objectives of the ABG are:

• To promote the development of commerce, investment and goodwill between the United States of America, the membership, the American Community and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through active membership participation.

• To provide a forum in which American business executives in Abu Dhabi and overseas business executives with American interests may identify, discuss and pursue common interests.

• To work with individuals and organizations in Abu Dhabi on matters of mutual interest.

• To heighten awareness of Abu Dhabi’s commercial position in the Middle East and the viability for increased American trade and business opportunities.

 

The ABG fulfills these objectives by:

• Meetings with U.S. Ambassador and key UAE government officials and bodies to express U.S. business concerns.

• Monthly speaker breakfasts, luncheons and seminars on current business issues,

• Round table discussions focusing on specific industry sector issues

• Annual volunteer delegation to Washington DC to meet with government officials, Congress, NGOs, and think-tanks to advocate ABG members’ business interests

• Annual charity event where proceeds are donated to reputable, deserving organizations

• Advocacy against regressive taxation of expatriates overseas.

• Business briefings for visiting businesses and government officials

• Assistance to US trade delegations and business persons visiting Abu Dhabi

• Online member-to-member keyword search contact portal via ABG website

• Maintenance of a library of U.S. directories and trade information

 

Other American Business Groups in the Middle East

There are four regional U.S. Business Councils in the world including the Middle East Council of American Chambers of Commerce (now MECACC) of which ABG is a member. The ABG is also a lifetime non-voting board member of the US-UAE Business Council located in Washington DC.

How does one become a member of the ABG?

Please visit the ABG website www.abgabudhabi.org and complete the online pre-qualification, after which the Membership Office will contact you to complete the application process. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis by the Board of Directors. Dues are charged prorated throughout the year.

Platinum Membership @ AED 31,500 (~$8,500) per year- American or Emirati companies that are licenced to do business in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and want excuslive VIP benfits and preferential status

Corporate Membership @ AED 7,500 (~2,000) per year- American or Emirati companies that are licenced to do business in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Affilitate Non-Voting Corporate @ AED 7,500 ($2,000) per year- Foreign companies that are licenced to operate in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi or US Companies that do not have an established business presence and are looking to establish a branch or joint venture partnership in Abu Dhabi

ABG Individual Member @ AED 1,300 (~$350) per year – US citizen individuals who hold a valid Abu Dhabi residency visa

ABG Corporate Employee @ AED 950 (~$250) per year- Individuals whose company is an ABG corporate member may apply for individual membership status at a discounted rate.

ABG Non-Voting Affiliate Individual @ 1,300 (~$350) per year- Open to business executives who prove they can contribute to the ABG mission

50% Discount Membership @ AED 650 ($175) per year- Open to US Embassy employees, US teachers, Active Military, US Professors, US Students, and spouses of ABG Members.

ABG is managed by an Executive Director and five professional staff. The Board of Directors is elected annually by ABG members and includes09 six officers and 12 other members. The President is the spokesperson for the membership. The ABG holds an Annual General Meeting and a Strategic Planning Meeting to further develop itself as a leading professional organization.