Chinese FDI into UAE Reaches $2.6 Billion Amid Growing Corporate Expansion

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 Arabian Business. The increase establishes the UAE as the leading recipient of Chinese direct investment capital in the Middle East, elevating cumulative investment stock to $12.47 billion as bilateral non-oil trade surpassed $100 billion.

Several Chinese enterprises across various sectors expanded their operational footprint in the UAE. Beijing-based China Securities obtained regulatory licensing from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to set up a regional office within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). In logistics, JD.com subsidiary JINGDONG Property signed an agreement to develop a 150,000-square-metre smart logistics facility inside Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). Furthermore, autonomous-driving developer Momenta announced plans to introduce commercial robotaxis in Dubai by 2027.

Automotive and bilateral promotional efforts also gained momentum. On September 29, 2026, Chery Group and Jaguar Land Rover held the global launch event for the FREELANDER brand at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, unveiling the left-hand drive FREELANDER 8 model. Additionally, Abu Dhabi's Masdar City Free Zone inaugurated its first China representative office in the Suzhou Industrial Park, operated by Suzhou Yingdi Consulting, and signed a cooperation agreement with Beijing's Zhongguancun innovation cluster. Dubai Chambers is also scheduled to host the Dubai Business Forum – China on October 14 in Shenzhen, focusing on electric vehicles, AI, and digital logistics.