The Chamber was founded in 1992 as the “Arab American Chamber of Commerce” in Dearborn, MI. The city was, and continues to be, a heartland for the Arab American population, ripe with entrepreneurial spirit and economic success.

AACC’s original mission was to promote “trade, cultural, and historical information to the general public to improve trade and business between the U.S. and Arab Countries and better the American and Arab communities in the United States. This domestic, non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of improving American understanding of the Arab world and it’s people and improving trade relations between U.S. firms and businesses in the Arab countries and in the U.S.”

During its early years, the chamber focused on providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for Arab American entrepreneurs and professionals. Throughout this time, the AACC was driven by the vibrancy of the Arab American community in Dearborn. In 1996, the Chamber was renamed as the “American Arab Chamber of Commerce” to emphasize the American identity of its members and board.

The 1990s were a time of great economic growth for the Arab American community, specifically in Dearborn, which has a rich cultural and economic history. The AACC followed suit, holding events and developing networking opportunities for the Arab American business community.

From 1995 to 2013, thousands came to Dearborn every year for the Arab International Festival. This generated great business revenue for the area and was a vibrant celebration of Arab American culture.

As the nation’s largest Arab cultural festival, it attracted over 300,000 people to Dearborn’s Warren Avenue for three days of cultural festivities.

“Bustling in ethnic pride and entrepreneurial spirit,” the festival was a triumph of Arab American spirit for over a decade. According to a professor at Michigan State University, the festival had a yearly impact of approximately $7 million and reached all sectors of the economy

At a time when the Arab American community faced hardship in mainstream U.S. culture, the AACC promoted unity, perseverance, and peace amongst tension and conflict.

The AACC continued to grow the economic opportunities of the Arab American business community and strengthened its networks by obtaining and securing key contracts and business deals.

In 2002, the AACC also celebrated its 10 year anniversary, a landmark occasion in the organization’s history.

The AACC pioneered the first US-Arab Economic forum alongside the Arab League. With over 1,000 participants, this event was a first of its kind and aimed to “promote stronger economic and commercial ties between the United States and the Arab countries, explore economic, trade and technological opportunities, focus on areas of commonality, forge public-private partnerships in the new economy and honor the contributions of Arab-Americans to the economy and society.”

This event included major world leaders and heads of state as well as the most prominent of business executives in the Middle East. This connection was vital in securing trade between the United States and the Arab business community, bringing in major revenue and fostering impactful business deals.

The AACC became a strategic partner of Made in the USA – Qatar 2010 Exhibition, a significant stride in building bridges between the two nations.

Ahmad Chebbani, chairman of the AACC, was quoted, "The chamber has a long history of trying to build bridges between US companies and the Arab World. We are delighted to facilitate this new relationship with Qatar, the most vibrant economy in the Gulf Region."

Rashid Al Kuwari, chairman of Doha Enterprises, was quoted, "partnering with the chamber and their vast contacts in the United States will insure a good representation of American firms at the exhibition.

The AACC celebrated a milestone at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, where the 20th annual “Building Economic Bridges Gala” was held. The event included over 1,000 attendees, as well as local leaders and candidates for the upcoming election 2012 who turned out to support the organization.

Among the speakers at the event included United Auto Workers (UAW) President Bob King, who gave a keynote address at the ceremony, discussing the current state of the economy and the importance of the UAW’s work.

Also present at the event was Attorney Joumana Kayrouz, owner of the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, who received the Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award, for her commitment to excellence and leadership in her field.

In November of 2022, the AACC celebrated its 30th anniversary with its annual “Building Economic Bridges” Gala. With its sold-out attendance list, this iconic event hosted government and business leaders alike. The evening was “full of surprises and great speeches” from Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Senator Stabenow, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.