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:

ae.dxb@eCargoPlus.com

www.eCargoPlus.com

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!


Welcome our new member EPH Real Estate L.L.C

At EPH Real Estate, we are a dynamic and expanding real estate agency based in Dubai, one of the world’s most exciting property markets. With our experienced and diverse international team, we offer expert services in sales, rentals and investment opportunities. We are dedicated to excellence, integrity and accountability in all that we do. 

We speak English, Finnish, German, Swedish, Uzbek and Hindi.

Core Services:  

  • Residential Sales and Leasing  

  • Off-Plan Property Sales  

  • Property Investment Consultancy  

Core Values:  

  • Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and fairness.  

  • Excellence: Dedicated to delivering excep>onal services and results.  

  • Customer-Centric: We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of our clients

Contact:

mirva.p@eph-realestate.com

Stakeholder Survey Report

Finnish Business Council UAE – Customer Feedback Survey Report June 2025

1. Executive Summary

  • 39 respondents completed the survey (corporate, individual, and non-members).

  • Overall satisfaction is high: 71.8% are satisfied or very satisfied.

  • Event attendance is moderate: most attend occasionally (46%) or rarely (33%).

  • Main barriers to attendance: timing (33%), subject relevance, and location.

  • Members want more networking, expert panels, and social/cultural events.

  • Preferred communication is overwhelmingly email newsletters (51%) and WhatsApp updates (40%).

  • Open feedback highlights a desire for women-focused events, social committees, and varied thematic content.

2. Respondent Profile

Membership Types

  • Individual Member: 48.7%

  • Corporate Member: 28.2%

  • I am not a member: 23.1%

Membership Duration

  • More than 2 years: 48.7%

  • 1-2 years: 15.4%

  • I am not a member: 15.4%

  • Less than 6 months: 12.8%

  • 6–12 months: 7.7%

3. Membership Satisfaction & Engagement

Satisfaction Levels

  • Satisfied: 53.8%

  • Neutral: 23.1%

  • Very satisfied: 17.9%

  • Unsatisfied: 2.6%

Event Attendance

Occasionally (every few months): 46.2%

  • Rarely: 33.3%

  • Regularly (every month): 10.3%

  • Never: 10.3%

Reasons for not attending

  • The date and time usually don’t suit me: 33.3%

  • The subject matter is not interesting to me: 33.3%

  • The location is not convenient: 25.1%

  • The price is too high: 8.3%

4. Event Preferences

Respondents expressed interest in networking nights, expert panels, social or cultural events, company visits, and business breakfasts.

5. Communication Preferences

Email newsletters and WhatsApp updates messages was the preferred way of communication.

6. Open Feedback (Selected Themes)

- FBC could establish a social committee that could organize more non-casual events. For example, the Swedes have a women’s committee that is very active and organizes many different kinds of events.

- Finnish Ladies group in AD and Dubai

- I’ve been happy to witness FBC’s development over the past 7 years in Dubai. The events have become more substance focused which is great, instead of just random drinks. I welcome more events with varied themes around different development in the Middle East.

- For me, the biggest reason for not attending is the timing of the event. I work full time and as the events are not specific to my role, I cannot take time off to attend.

- News about the Finland manufacturing  companies for technical & industrial products and exhibitions in Finland 

- At the moment I am just observing business opportunities from Finland

- Increase the number of events like one per month

- The women’s event was good, and perhaps also targeted group meetings could be arranged, such as networking for solo entrepreneurs, bringing together/open idea pitching for start-ups, and then something completely random like a Karelian pie and gravlax workshop.

7. Recommendations

1. Improve event timing flexibility – explore more morning/lunch options.
2. Diversify event formats – balance business panels with networking and cultural events.
3. Launch women’s and social subcommittees.
4. Strengthen communication via WhatsApp & email.
5. Increase event frequency – aim for at least one per month.
6. Leverage partnerships with other business councils to broaden reach.

FBC member in a spotlight - Meet Linda Jacobsson Asting from Clever Travel Consulting

1. What brought you to Dubai, and how did Clever Travel Consulting get started?

I have always liked destinations that combine both Western and Eastern influences, worked in Morocco for a while and was told Dubai had similar vibes. I then did an internship for 3 months for a tourism & leadership program in Sweden in Dubai, at a local tour operator here in 2006. Was offered a marketing/sales job with them after finishing the program in 2007. Also met the Swedish man I am now married to during this internship, so he was also a contributing factor to moving here full time. After working a few months for the local tourism company, I saw the need for a Scandinavian local contact for agencies booking programs here. I quit the tour operator and finally started CTC in 2008, with focus on incoming Scandinavian market. Just before the global bank crisis I might add… That was interesting timing 😊.

2. What challenges did you face launching your business here?

Several. The business climate in UAE was different in 2008. Many areas are so much easier/online based now than back then. For example, I had to go in person to all kinds of authorities/free zones to get different papers signed, translated and stamped. Also to get correct information about what was actually allowed on my free zone license- and not (this is not different today though!) When I started the business, we didn’t have internet in our apartment building. I was working daily from Starbucks. Then came Ramadan and all places closed for a month in daytime... It was also hard to get new clients right around the big global bank and financial crisis and all corporates were saving money. Ironically, my first group program was from a Swedish bank that same year 😊. I also struggled to get hotel rooms - Dubai did not have as many hotels then, and all the hotels were crazy busy and my Scandinavian clients looking for midmarket hotels did not have much choice.. It was also hard to find reliable suppliers and partners locally. I tried several -and changed several times the first years until I found partners that matched my own values and level of professionalism.

3. How has Dubai’s travel scene changed since you arrived?

It’s like two different worlds from 2008 to 2025. So much has happened here in the 17 years I have been based here. Don’t think any other destination globally has had the same development in such a short time. Not just the number of attractions, restaurants, new hotels (lots of midmarket choices now!) but also the attitude towards incoming International markets. Dubai has managed to attract so many various markets over the years, simply because it really has something for all kinds of travellers- the conference group, the families, the sales incentives, the luxury travellers, the adventurers, the girls trip, the boys trip, the large exhibition crowd- and everything in between. Safety and cleanliness is also top priority for tourists, even more now than when I arrived. Many people still think Dubai and UAE is super glamorous and very expensive. But bowadays you can plan programs for all kinds of budgets here. And you get better value in hotels than you do in many other destinations. The tourism seasons have also changed over the years, going from much longer off season period to almost high/peak season all year round- in terms of global demand.

4. What makes Clever Travel stand out in such a busy market?

I’d like to think that offering honest and quick replies is worth a lot to all our clients, in a tough market where this is definitely a USP. And that the owner of the company is part of the whole planning/booking process as well as coordination onsite. Your request is not a small drop in the sea of lots of other inquiries, or handed over to several different teams at a larger agency. There is a personal touch to all our offer letters and I really try to make this show to the client in the communication. We also offer totally transparent hotel sourcing for all our requests, via Helms Briscoe- and utilize their global volumes to benefit our clients. Also, I don’t agree with the clients all the time. I advise them, give them local experience- but often also tell them straight out when I don’t think something is possible. You can do almost anything in Dubai, with the correct contacts and mindset (and budget!)- but I am also very realistic and tell them exactly what to expect- for what they are paying. I don’t take shortcuts with partners, tour guides and suppliers, only use the ones I know keep a very high standard. And I won’t change my programs to meet low cost requests with less reliable partners to match a budget. Every program I book is equally important that everything goes smoothly and I can put my name behind it.

5. How do you see the future of tourism in Dubai evolving?

There will be a huge focus on AI and tech solutions also within tourism. Dubai and UAE are already in the forefront for this and the CVB and Tourism Government Dept are already using several models for tourism marketing. Even offering free AI solutions to tourists visiting is coming soon. I also see a larger focus on mid market travellers, not just luxury segment- which pleases me as my Scandinavian clients are not the most high end market. A bigger focus on creating full experiences, not just the standard tourism programs and activities offered. I also think combining different emirates during the same trip will be seen more and more, to get access to more experiences and nature. Sustainability also a big focus with new hotel classifications, green programs and event certifications. Clients will choose suppliers that match their own sustainability values. Yes, you still need to fly to UAE, but there are many other sustainable choices you can do for your trips and programs while here.

News from our Corporate Member Frozen Graphene Consulting

The Journey for Frozen Graphene started 2012 under the name of Turvallisuustaito in Finland and she stayed in business for 10 successful years until the owner and sole proprietor Anne Ruokonen retired and decided sold the business to us. We have enjoyed steady growth built on the solid foundation of this independent high quality security consulting service and solved extremely complex clients’ deliveries in defense, health care, education, manufacturing, and public sector verticals.

Finally we can share this update that we have pursued expansion of our business by building our way to international markets and we are happy to share that we are fully licensed and certified Security Consulting and Security Systems Auditing Services in the entire United Arab Emirates.  

We will continue to run our successful Security consulting in Finland under the leadership of Mrs. Katri Sarkkinen and our trusted consultant and security expert Mrs. Katariina Correia has been invited to join the Board of Directors to support Katri in the leadership and direction of the company.  

Our Founder and President, Mr. Perttu Sarkkinen will move to Dubai, United Arab Emirates and he will continue to oversee the global direction of the companies as the global chairman of the board. Additionally, Perttu will be the Director of local company in the United Arab Emirates and personally guide the growth and expansion of our business there.

We want to thank our trusted clients, family, friends, employees, and partners in making this expansion possible. Finally, we would love to extend our gratitude to thank the resident ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Amna Fikri and the entire embassy staff for their gracious support during this expansion.