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Chinese Direct Investment in UAE Reaches $2.6 Billion as Bilateral Ties Expand

China's direct investment in the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year as bilateral non-oil trade crossed $100 billion. China Securities received DFSA regulatory approval to establish a presence in DIFC, where Chinese banks now hold over 30 percent of assets. Multiple major Chinese energy and battery companies are also scheduled to participate in ADIPEC 2026.

Published Source: UAE-China Chamber of Commerce

China's outbound direct investment into the United Arab Emirates reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year, according to the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce. The surge positions the UAE as the leading Middle Eastern recipient of Chinese direct investment, with bilateral non-oil trade crossing $100 billion.

In the financial sector, Beijing-headquartered China Securities obtained regulatory approvals from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to establish a regional office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Chinese banking institutions now account for more than 30 percent of total banking and capital markets assets in DIFC.

In the energy sector, major Chinese firms including Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, CATL, and Envision Energy are scheduled to take part in the ADIPEC 2026 industry exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

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