Hellenic Business Council News | Issue 1

The Hellenic Business Council in Dubai (HBC) is the official body representing Greek businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals operating in Dubai and the UAE. Established in February 2024 and licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, we provide a platform for members to connect and expand their businesses, and enhance collaboration between Greece and the UAE.

The HBC News, alongside our other means of communication, aim at informing members and friends of the HBC of our activities, and providing thematic and sectoral updates. These will be published on a periodic basis.

STRUCTURE

The HBC is governed by an elected Board of nine experienced professionals. From finance and legal, to technology and engineering, our Board members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Greek community of the UAE.  

Our Board

• Thanos Karvelis, Chairman

• Christos Papachristou, Vice-Chairman

• Giannis Petras, Secretary General

• Ilias Assimakopoulos, Head of Consumer Goods, F&B and Retail Chapters

• Polychronis Kotios, Head of Shipping Chapter

• Christos Mastoras, Head of Finance and Technology Chapters

• Sophia Moulin, Head of Education and Women in Business Chapters

• Apostolos Mylonas, Head of Construction, Infrastructure and Energy Chapters

• Sotiris Tsoulos, Head of Real Estate & Design Chapter

Our Chapters

The Board is committed to providing valuable resources to members through the HBC’s Chapters. These thematic platforms enable businesses to tap into key sectors and expand their footprint in the UAE.

• Construction Chapter

• Consumer Goods Chapter

• Energy Chapter

• Finance Chapter

• Food & Beverage Chapter

• Infrastructure Chapter

• Real Estate & Design Chapter

• Retail Chapter

• Shipping Chapter

• Technology Chapter

• Women in Business Chapter

Recognizing new sectoral opportunities and in response to growing interest from members, two new thematic Chapters were created in October 2024.

• Education Chapter

• Healthcare Chapter

ADMINISTRATION

We operate under the umbrella and supervision of Dubai Chamber of Commerce in accordance with the Regulations Organising Business Councils of Dubai Chambers.

Bank account/Membership fees payment: We are frequently receiving members’ messages, asking to deposit their membership fees into our bank account. However, the HBC, like other newly-established national business councils, has encountered persistent difficulties in opening an official bank account. As per Dubai Chambers guidelines, it is Dubai Chambers which is handling this process centrally, and the HBC is not allowed on its own to apply to banks. Thus, this issue is outside our control and falls under the responsibility of Dubai Chambers, which is actively working to resolve this. In the meantime, founding members are requested to make cash payments.

Office space: We are in the process of acquiring a physical office, offering all necessary office infrastructure to support our business needs and allow us to work on-site. This is sponsored by an HBC founding corporate member.

Staff: We have appointed a Head of Operations and Events to better support our members’ needs and boost collaboration with Dubai Chambers and other national business councils. The appointment is sponsored by an HBC founding corporate member.

AT A GLANCE: PAST EVENTS

Ever since its launch in February 2024, the HBC has been actively promoting platforms for dialogue, collaboration and business opportunities. Throughout this past year we have organised numerous events and meetings for our members, and participated in external events promoting your interests. Attendance in HBC-led events has been overwhelming, far exceeding our expectations as a newly-established national Business Council.

HBC-led events and meetings

March
14/3	Construction Chapter inaugural networking event provided a platform for architects, designers and engineers to engage in dialogue.
April
22/4	Consumer Goods, F&B and Retailing Chapters inaugural networking event for professionals in the industries.
May
11/5	Shipping Chapter event in Fujairah brought together industry leaders in maritime commerce operating in the UAE and worldwide.
30/5	Greeks in Finance inaugural networking event of industry leaders in financial services, fintech, private equity, venture capital and consulting, organised by the Finance Chapter.
June
5/6	Consumer Goods Chapter networking event, hosting the CEO of House of Pops and the founder of Maysan Silk Cocoon who shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys.
13/6	Informal Meeting of HBC Members held at the prestigious Dubai Chambers Auditorium to discuss our roadmap and future initiatives.
September
16/9 17/9	Finance Chapter Head Christos Mastoras hosted a senior delegation from Eurobank, led by Deputy CEO Konstantinos Vassiliou. Two private dinners, held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, brought together senior investment, banking and corporate finance executives to explore potential opportunities.
October
1/10	Greeks in Healthcare inaugural networking event for professionals in Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Medical Practice, Healthcare and Hospital services, and Healthcare Insurance.

Participation in external events and meetings

May
8/5	Official meeting with Mr. Nikos Hardalias, Governor of Attica in Greece, enriched our discussions on mutual collaboration and opportunities for growth.
13/5	Session with Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Antonis Alexandritis and the Embassy of Greece in the UAE. The Minister commended HBC’s role as a bridge between the two countries and in furthering commercial opportunities for the Greek business community.
August
29/8	Intercouncil Meeting of National Business Councils in Dubai, aiming to build a stronger community in order to provide an even greater value to our members.
October
3/10	Meeting with the Emirates Shipping Association, held at the offices of ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of the Embassy of Greece in the UAE. The meeting – attended by the Chairman of the Emirates Shipping Association, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the UAE and significant shipping companies operating in the UAE and worldwide – was a unique occasion to discuss future opportunities for Greek businesses in the shipping sector.
23/10	Meeting with Dr. Michalis Chourdakis, Member of the Greek Parliament, to discuss opportunities to raise the profile of the HBC in the relevant Parliamentary Committees.
November
5/11	Attended the Gulfood Manufacturing and Gulfhost trade events in Dubai, meeting with all Greek exhibitors and discussing the support the HBC can offer to Greek businesses.
14/11	Videoconference with Vaso Kyrkou, Director General of Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations of Enterprise Greece, exploring opportunities for future collaboration and investment on key business topics.
20/11	Attended the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo Dubai, a leading platform for wholesale and retail trade. The Expo highlighted emerging concepts and was an opportunity to engage with Greek suppliers and exhibitors.
26/11	Official private meeting with H.E. Mr. Kostas Fragogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, in the presence of H.E. Antonis Alexandridis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the UAE, was a unique opportunity to discuss new initiatives in enhancing bilateral relations between Greece and the UAE, and supporting Greek businesses.
26/11	On the occasion of Greece’s participation in Big 5 Global 2024, led by Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostas Fragogiannis, a cocktail reception was held by Enterprise Greece and the Embassy of Greece in the UAE, in cooperation with the HBC.
28/11	Attended the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), engaging with suppliers and raising awareness of the HBC amongst Greek exhibitors.
December
7/12	Participation in the Business Groups & Councils Gala Dinner organised by the Dubai Chambers, celebrating the collective achievements of Business Groups and Councils throughout 2024, and engaging in discussions with UAE business leaders and advocates across industries.

UPCOMING EVENTS

To mark a successful first year of operations, the HBC will hold its Anniversary Gala Dinner at the beginning of 2025.  We hope you can join us in celebrating collective achievements in promoting the business interests of the Greek community.

We aim to continue providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration in the new year. The Board is considering thematic events and meetings to take place in the first quarter of 2025, and more details will be shared when these are finalised.

Stay tuned for more.