Please read it here.
FBC Christmas Party 2025
The FBC Christmas Party on 21 November was a great way to close the year together. Hosted at Ammos, the evening included plenty of laughter, good conversations, and even some Greek traditions such as dancing and plate smashing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming FBC events in the new year!
View all pictures here.
Welcome our new member Ratiolex
Ratiolex is a boutique law firm specialising in international and domestic dispute resolution Ratiolex’s assignments mainly consist of counselling domestic SMEs and family businesses, international companies, state-owned companies and states in legal proceedings in Finland and abroad. Our firm’s core values are high quality and uncompromising work ethics in all our assignments. For 20 years, we have successfully represented our clients in dispute resolution before all general courts and in domestic and international arbitration proceedings. In addition, partners of our firm serve as arbitrators in domestic and international arbitrations. Our firm belongs to the Finnish Bar Association. We comply with the rules and regulations of the Finnish Bar Association governing legal ethics and conduct.
Contact:
Timo Ylikantola
Nordic Padel Tournament 6th edition
The 6th Nordic Padel Tournament took place on Friday, 24th October, at Club Padel, bringing together 58 enthusiastic players representing all four Nordic countries.
Despite the warm weather, it was a vibrant and fun-filled afternoon filled with great energy, sportsmanship, and plenty of laughter. The day concluded with a relaxed BBQ and prize-giving ceremony, celebrating another successful edition of this much-loved event.
A big thank you to Arla, our Drop Shot sponsor, for providing all players with their delicious and nutritious puddings and yoghurts, as well as to all our other Bandeja product and prize sponsors for their invaluable support in making this tournament a success.
Winners:
Ladies Series
1st Place: Sofie Dahlman & Hanne Helveg
2nd Place: Riikka Kytösaari & Pauline Madani
Beginners Group
1st Place: Ditte Laurenborg & Christian Laurenborg
2nd Place: Ayman Kabbara & Georges Menassa
Intermediate Group
1st Place: Usman Sheik & Niklas Abrahamsson
2nd Place: Rauno Vänni & Andres Garrido
Advanced Group
1st Place: Egon Nelson & Andreas Khalaf
2nd Place: Karan Partovi & Sebastian Zawadski
Congratulations to all players and thank you for being part of the Nordic Padel community — we look forward to seeing you at the next tournament!
Thank you to our Drop Shot Sponsor
Thank you to our Bandeja Sponsors
October 2025 newsletter
Please read it here.
Welcome our new member eCargo World
eCargoWorld, established in 2010, is a family-owned and operated global freight forwarder. With extensive expertise in air, sea, and land transportation, we are dedicated to optimizing supply chains and ensuring the timely and secure delivery of goods. Our worldwide presence, combined with a strong commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, allows us to provide tailored solutions that address the unique needs of businesses around the globe.
Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, eCargoWorld manages an agency network spanning 189 countries.
Our offices are located in:
Zurich (Switzerland)
Tallinn (Estonia)
Taipei (Taiwan)
Hong Kong (PRC SAR)
Lahore, Karachi, Sialkot (Pakistan)
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Moscow (Russia)
Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Jakarta (Indonesia)
Contact:
FBC Member in a Spotlight - Meet Mirva Puupponen from EPH Real Estate LLC
1. What brought you to Dubai, and how did EPH Real Estate get started?
I moved to Dubai sent by German investors in 2022 to set up a real estate investment company and to operate it. I learned a lot cause the company was started from scratch and I had to study the market by myself and make all the contacts. Later I noticed that I received more varied enquiries than what I had in the portfolio and we decided to set up the EPH Real Estate to serve our clients wider and also to build an international team.
2. What are the current trends you’re seeing in Dubai’s real estate market?
I am seeing a strong demand now and in the future for family living - means community living with elevated services inside of the community. Investing in offplan properties is still trendy, especially overseas clients can easily invest with flexible payment plans without a mortgage. The luxury segment is still expanding driven by wealth migration and safe-haven investment demand. Mortgage buyers in amount are breaking records, since a lot of tenants turn into owners. Some other trends to be mentioned: plunge pools on the balcony in apartment buildings, lagoons and water features in communities, themed communities as "healthy living" or "forest living" or "farm living" etc. Also some new projects integrating AI to the apartments in order to monitor and create well-being in the living.
3. What do you expect to see in terms of pricing, demand, and foreign investment over the next 5–10 years?
To my mind we have to see different market segments and areas.To make a generic statement for the overall Dubai real estate market would be wrong. I am sure hot areas are going to grow in their price, and I also expect some villa and townhouse communities to rise in price - yes, some are still undervaluated - but there might be areas which are now in a mature phase and due to new areas these might stagnate. We also have to keep in mind the impressive rental yields holding steady at 6-7%. Personally I dont see an overall drop in the next couple of years, if not a major political crisis will shake the trust in the UAE. In 5-10 years I expect Dubai and UAE to grow according to their plans. The fact that from 2008 to 2025 the city added 2.4 mill. residents, more than doubling its size, is very impressive. According to the projections the residents will hit 5 mill in 2029-2030, requiring 300,000 new housing units.
4. What advice would you give to fellow FBC members who are thinking about investing or working in Dubai’s property sector?
First, I always tell to think about the future exit - before investing. Secondly, use a trusted agent who will tell you the truth and will guide you through all the way long. Thirdly, define your investment goal (capital appreciation, rental yield or both), your budget and the time line. A good agent will offer you properties that suit to your personal strategy. If you want to start to work in real estate, it is a rewarding and exciting opportunity. Not a single day is the same!
5. How do you spend your free time when you’re not helping people find their dream homes?
Mostly by spending time with my family: my husband, two kids 8 and 9 years old and our dog. We also love to travel, good food and also just chilling at home.
Meet the mentors and mentees of 2025/2026
The Swedish Business Council, with support from the Finnish and Norwegian Business Councils, is proud to launch the 6th edition of our Mentorship Program.
After receiving a large number of inspiring applications over the past months, we are excited to bring together close to 50 participants for this year’s program.
Over the next six months, mentees will work closely with their mentors to set and achieve personal and professional goals, guided by the insights and support of experienced professionals.
The program kicks off with the mentorship launch event, featuring a lively speed-networking session where mentees can meet potential mentors and request matches aligned with their aspirations.
This journey of growth and collaboration continues through April 2026, offering participants the opportunity to unlock new possibilities and forge meaningful connections.
We are delighted to introduce the mentors and mentees of the 2025/2026 Mentorship Program!
September 2025 newsletter
Please read it here.
Sponsorship Opportunities 2025/2026
The Finnish Business Council invites selected partners to shape the year ahead with us in 2026. Our sponsorship opportunities offer meaningful visibility, direct access to a strong Nordic–UAE business network, and year-round engagement across our key events and initiatives. By partnering with us, your brand becomes an active part of a trusted community built on collaboration, connection, and shared growth.
As an active platform in the UAE, the Finnish Business Council connects professionals, companies, and organizations through a wide international network. Our sponsorship packages provide consistent exposure via monthly events, targeted communications, and strategic partnerships throughout the year.
Learn more about our sponsorship packages here and join our confirmed sponsors and secure your sponsorship deal for 2026!
