The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded a 17% growth in H1 2026 trade, reaching AED 246 billion. China maintained its position as DIEZ's largest trading partner, accounting for AED 69.8 billion or 28.4% of total trade.
Fourteen global financial institutions managing more than $5 trillion in assets announced plans to establish bases in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. The incoming firms include asset managers, private equity funds, and credit firms such as Capital Group and Blue Owl Capital. Assets under management in ADGM grew 54 percent year-on-year during the first half of 2026.
An analysis by IR Insider examines how global computing power shortages and supply chain constraints are reshaping national AI sovereignty strategies. While the UAE expands domestic infrastructure through US partnerships, export regulations continue to govern advanced chip access. Meanwhile, China advances domestic hardware alternatives led by Huawei but faces supply bottlenecks in high-bandwidth memory.
Chinese flying-car developer Aridge plans to begin testing its modular Land Aircraft Carrier in the UAE in early 2027, with initial consumer deliveries targeted for late 2027 or early 2028. Speaking at the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, CFO Michael Du stated the aircraft has completed Chinese regulatory test flights and is awaiting final type certification. Testing will take place within a regulatory sandbox established in Ras Al Khaimah.
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