The number of companies listing on Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industrys online marketplace for personal protective equipment (PPE) has risen 340% since its launch earlier this year in acknowledgement to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chamber announced that 66 organisations are registered on the Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) marketplace, up from 15 companies in July. RRI is a free-to-use program connecting UAE businesses and healthcare providers with credible suppliers of PPE products.

A new report by the Dubai Chamber based on data from TradeMap named China as the biggest exporter of medical supplies to the UAE.

According to the data, the benefit of Chinas shipping of Covid-19 medical supplies to the UAE struck $623.7 million during the March and June 2020 period, indicating a year-over-year surge of 357%. Surgical facemasks estimated for 40% of the cumulative value of medical products shipped to the UAE from China, or $247.8 million, attended by $60 million worth of medical gowns (10%) and face shields (9%) valued at $53.8 million.

Products placed on the online PPE marketplace involve surgical and reusable facemasks and shields, safety goggles, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, medical gowns and coveralls, ventilators and thermometers.

Dr Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber said the exponential growth produced by the Rapid Response Initiative indicates the growing need for PPE products in the UAE, as well as digital services that provide to the changing demands of the industry in the country.

He called the Rapid Response Initiative as a great example of how Dubai is providing innovation to halt the spread of Covid-19, increasing ease of doing trade and eradicating barriers to trade, adding that online marketplace is the most advanced in a series of Dubai Chamber actions supporting the business community as it operated unique challenges generated by the outbreak.