UAE-based law and business advisory firm Habib Al Mulla and Partners has established an office in Shanghai to provide business consulting services. The office represents the first Arab law firm entry into the Chinese market, aiming to connect Chinese investors with Middle East opportunities and guide UAE cross-border deals.
Chinese industrial manufacturers are increasing supply agreements for freshwater infrastructure and desalination systems in the Gulf, primarily in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Gulf utilities including ACWA Power plan to allocate at least $15 billion annually over three years to Chinese suppliers.
A high-level UAE delegation concluded a five-day working visit to China on October 20, 2026. The mission focused on commercial partnerships in clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen, and electric mobility. Representatives also toured Shanghai Port's automated terminal to review smart logistics solutions.
Gulf crude exporters are expanding their market share in China as Iranian shipments fall, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Saudi crude shipments to Chinese ports are projected to exceed 2 million barrels per day in October 2026, with 75% allocated to Sinopec and PetroChina. Total Middle Eastern crude arrivals into China are expected to reach around 4.5 million barrels per day.
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