Dubai Chambers and International Chamber of Commerce Launch Chamber Benchmarking Tool to Enhance Performance and Competitiveness of Global Chambers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 3, 2025--

Dubai Chambers, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Chambers Federation (WCF), has launched the Chamber Benchmarking Tool, a first-of-its-kind platform enabling chambers of commerce to access best practices and benchmark their performance against global standards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903661712/en/

Unveiled during the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, Australia, the initiative was showcased to 1,200 chamber leaders and officials from over 100 countries. As the premier global gathering for chamber representatives, the event is a vital platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening international networks.

The tool is designed to transform the global chamber ecosystem by enhancing institutional performance and empowering chambers to deliver improved services, streamline processes, and achieve operational excellence. It assesses seven core roles and responsibilities: economic research and business intelligence; advocacy and policy representation; international trade and investment attraction; training and workforce support; networking and collaboration; advisory and support services; and legal and dispute resolution.

It also measures key dimensions of operational excellence including strategic alignment, process efficiency, partnerships, member satisfaction, governance, innovation, and financial impact.

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “This initiative reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for excellence and institutional innovation. It aligns with the emirate’s commitment to shaping a resilient and sustainable future for business communities worldwide by promoting cross-border collaboration, fostering knowledge-driven partnerships, and advancing agile, forward-looking solutions to navigate an evolving economic landscape.”

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General of the ICC, said: “The launch of the Chamber Benchmarking Tool marks a milestone in empowering chambers worldwide with the insights they need to thrive. We are grateful to Dubai Chambers for their leadership and expertise, which have been pivotal in bringing this vision to life.”

The tool provides a data-driven framework for self-assessment and comparative analysis, offering tailored recommendations, access to global case studies, and insights into emerging trends. Developed with guidance from a steering committee of international experts, its foundations were built on an in-depth study of 19 chambers worldwide.

About Dubai Chambers:

Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai’s vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services, and unlocking access to influential networks.

*Source:AETOSWire

During the launch of the Chamber Benchmarking Tool (photo: AETOSWire)

CINCINNATI (AP) — Paul Skenes quickly shrugged off the shortest start of his dominant major league career.

Pirates fans shouldn’t worry either after Skenes returned to form on Wednesday.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner allowed one run in five innings and struck out five in the Pirates’ 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

“I’m pretty insulated from a lot of stuff that’s out there. The stuff that I do see or hear, I don’t really care anyway because it doesn’t have anything to do with the play. I’m just thinking about getting back to execution and executing my pitches,” Skenes said. “Nothing matters except for the game and the pitches.”

Skenes walked Cincinnati’s TJ Friedl, then retired eight straight, including three strikeouts. He walked Friedl twice in three innings before Elly De La Cruz singled for the Reds’ first hit. Two batters later, Nathaniel Lowe doubled in De La Cruz, ending Skenes’ 31-inning scoreless streak against Cincinnati.

Skenes’ scoreless run was the fourth-longest by a Pirates pitcher against an opponent since 1961. Vernon Law holds the mark, blanking the Mets for 40 innings during 1965-66.

The right-hander retired four of the last five batters he faced and departed after throwing 77 pitches, including 51 strikes.

“Definitely progress. Nice to get some volume and be out there for more than two-thirds,” said Skenes, who improved to 5-0 with a 0.53 ERA in six career starts against the Reds. He has 45 strikeouts and only four walks while holding Cincinnati to a .197 batting average.

Further helping Skenes, the Pirates gave strong run support, scoring three in the first on Oneil Cruz’s homer to right.

“With Skenes on the mound, you hate to give them anything early because you know you’re going to have to fight to get anything you can get,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

Manager Don Kelly said he wanted to avoid overworking Skenes early, especially after his 37-pitch, two-thirds-inning start in the Mets’ opening day win on Thursday. Skenes allowed five runs, tying a career high, with two walks and a strikeout in the 11-7 loss.

“When you’re going off one outing and 37 pitches, we had targeted 80 for him,” Kelly said. “It was something that we need Paul for the long haul, and he did a great job getting through five. As we go, he’s going to be throwing more than five (innings) and 77 (pitches).”

Skenes has a 2.10 ERA through his first 57 starts, the fourth-best mark by any pitcher since 1920. It is also the lowest mark by a Pittsburgh hurler in any span of 57 starts since Babe Adams had a 2.06 ERA between 1918 and ’20.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)