Bilateral trade between China and the UAE reached $108 billion in 2025, establishing the UAE as China's largest Middle East export market. More than 6,650 active Chinese companies were registered with Dubai Chambers by late September 2026. Major firms, including Meituan, J&T Express, and Baidu, have recently expanded their operations and infrastructure in Dubai.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has extended Corporate Tax Small Business Relief to tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029. Under Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026, resident entities with annual revenue up to AED 3 million can continue electing 0% taxable income status with simplified compliance. Qualifying Free Zone Persons and large multinational groups remain excluded from the scheme.
China's total trade with 23 Middle East and North Africa countries fell 12% to $329.3 billion during the first nine months of 2026, driven by a 38.6% drop in crude oil imports. Despite overall declines, the UAE remained China's top global destination for electrified vehicles at $3.9 billion and imported nearly half of China's $11.7 billion in phone shipments to the region.
Chinese customs data for the first nine months of 2026 shows China's trade with 23 MENA nations fell 12% to $329.3 billion, largely driven by a 38.6% drop in crude oil imports. Despite overall regional import contractions, the UAE remained the leading global destination for Chinese electrified vehicles at $3.9 billion and purchased nearly half of all Chinese phone shipments to the region.
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