The UAE has climbed five places to rank 25th among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index published by WIPO. The country secured first place worldwide across four indicators, including start-up financing and entrepreneurial policies. It also recorded strong performances in high-tech exports, brand value, and mobile application downloads.
Abu Dhabi has expanded container terminals and oil storage at the Port of Fujairah under its 'Zero Hormuz' infrastructure initiative to secure direct trade corridors to China outside the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Dubai Chambers and the Greater Bay Area Importers and Exporters Association unveiled the delegation and attendee lineup for the 2026 Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen. Over 90 Dubai officials and senior executives, alongside more than 600 registered Chinese companies, are confirmed to participate in the bilateral event.
Intercontinental Exchange has launched new freight derivatives, including the first tanker freight futures on the TD34 route from the Gulf of Oman to China. The contracts are cash-settled based on Baltic Exchange assessments to help market participants hedge freight risk amid shipping disruptions. Average daily trading volume across ICE freight markets grew 33 percent year-to-date.
Chinese autonomous driving firms, including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide, are broadening operations in the UAE. The expansion is supported by over 14,500 Chinese commercial licenses in the Emirates and more than $15 billion in bilateral investment. The initiatives focus on integrating autonomous fleets and AI navigation into smart transport grids.
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