China-Arab Forum Highlights New Direct Maritime Route and Marine Robotics Co-Investment

More than 200 Chinese and Arab enterprises convened alongside officials representing 22 Arab nations for the 2026 China-Arab political dialogue and the inaugural China-Arab Business Dialogue on the Belt and Road Initiative, Xinhua reported.

During the event, Acwa China President Saleh Al Khabti pointed to the launch of a direct maritime container route connecting Taicang Port in Suzhou with Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The new maritime link reduces shipping transit times by two to three days.

Participants also demonstrated artificial intelligence and autonomous marine robots developed by Suzhou-based companies. The robotic systems have been deployed across more than 70 international ports to handle hull maintenance and port inspection operations.

Delegates from Egypt and Gulf countries conducted discussions on utilizing these autonomous technologies for deep-sea maintenance, dredging, and marine clean-energy facilities. According to the report, the forum emphasized pivoting bilateral commercial ties toward joint investment in robotics, maritime logistics, and green infrastructure.