MISSION STATEMENT The South African Business Council’s (SABCO) mission is to serve as a resource and catalyst for its members and for companies in general to develop their business interests with South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A dynamic and trusted organisation dedicated to promoting and fostering business interests between South Africa and the UAE that is recognised by businesses, government agencies and individuals. SABCO’s aim is to assist people with a Southern African affiliation by facilitating corporate interaction and being a focal point for establishing business contacts and networking opportunities. PROFILE SABCO was established as a voluntary, credible non-profit organisation in 2004 with the aim of providing a meeting and networking point of contact for business people who have an interest in, or business connection with South Africa and the UAE. The council is run by a 12-member committee, comprising of leading South African business people, professionals and advisors from the South African Embassy in the UAE. SABCO unites business partners by offering a networking and business development forum for business professionals with South African connections living and working in the UAE. Networking is a core objective and regular social and topical business-related functions are held to provide opportunities for members to interact in an informal yet professional setting. The creation of SABCO as a single business organisation dedicated and committed to promoting business and trade between the two countries highlights the growing importance of the economic aspect in the overall relationship. STRATEGY To promote the development of South African and UAE business and social relations by providing relevant information required to successfully pursue lucrative opportunities in South Africa and the UAE facilitated through a formally recognised networking framework.