The Dubai Business Forum – China concluded in Shenzhen, marking a significant milestone in economic relations between Dubai and China. The forum, attended by 854 prominent Chinese investors and business leaders, as well as the largest overseas business delegation from Dubai Chambers, focused on creating new avenues for trade, investment, and collaborations between the two regions.
Expanding Economic Horizons
Organized under the theme ’Momentum at Scale: Accelerating Shared Success,’ the forum was orchestrated by Dubai Chambers in partnership with the Shenzhen Chamber of International Commerce and the China Chamber of International Commerce Guangzhou Chamber of Commerce. This event featured 22 expert speakers who discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation across 15 sessions, emphasizing sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, logistics, smart mobility, the digital economy, and venture capital.
Largest Delegation from Dubai
The delegation from Dubai was the largest ever to participate in an event outside the Emirate, showcasing the significance of the Chinese market. The diversity and breadth of industries represented at the forum underscored the importance of fostering economic partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
Strengthening Trade Relations
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the longstanding relationship between Dubai and China, built on decades of cooperation and mutual ambition. Al Mansoori highlighted that the economies of Dubai and China are complementary, offering broader opportunities for innovation, investment, and the creation of shared value.
“We are eager to enhance these connections by fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths and technologies of both Dubai and China, supporting sustainable growth and mutual interests,” Al Mansoori stated.
China as Dubai’s Key Trading Partner
China currently stands as Dubai’s largest trading partner globally. Non-oil trade between the two regions surged from AED166.4 billion in 2016 to an estimated AED363.5 billion by 2025, a growth of 118.4%. During the same period, Dubai attracted over 300 foreign direct investment projects from China, with capital inflows exceeding AED24.6 billion.
Platform for Strategic Investment
The forum spotlighted the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), revealing opportunities for Chinese investors in areas such as trade, technology, and innovation. Dubai’s strategic position, flexible regulatory framework, and advanced infrastructure were presented as pivotal advantages for international investments.
His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, participated in discussions on Dubai’s Agentic AI transformation program, which aims to integrate AI technologies across Dubai’s business landscape. The program is set to empower 295,000 private-sector companies and develop 100 specialized AI solutions within two years.
AI and Technological Integration
Sessions dedicated to AI underscored Dubai’s role as a testing ground for city-wide AI applications, with a focus on developing autonomous mobility solutions within a supportive regulatory environment. Discussions stressed the need for scalable AI applications that deliver tangible business impacts.
Opportunities for mutual investment between Dubai and China were also explored, particularly in AI, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. The forum discussed how Dubai can serve as a platform for connecting capital with innovative sectors, facilitating global expansion.
Building an AI Economy
A dedicated session examined the foundational elements required to establish an AI-driven economy, such as advanced computing capabilities and digital ecosystems. Participants highlighted the importance of nurturing technological skills and talent to support AI adoption, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation and technology deployment.
Additionally, logistics and digital trade were identified as critical to supporting international business growth. The forum explored strategies to create efficient trade corridors linking Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, leveraging Dubai’s logistical infrastructure and AI-powered systems.
Sustainable Mobility and Global Expansion
In a session on sustainable mobility, the integration of Chinese manufacturing prowess with Dubai’s global connectivity was discussed. Strategic partnerships in electric mobility were highlighted as key to advancing a sustainable economy.
The forum concluded by showcasing success stories of global companies expanding from Dubai into international markets, emphasizing the advantages of Dubai’s business environment, infrastructure, and connectivity in enabling such growth.
