Research

China–UAE News

Saudi Arabia mBridge Exit Highlights Realities of Cross-Border Payment Diversification

Saudi Arabia's central bank ended its participation in the mBridge multi-CBDC platform after finishing a proof of concept in May 2025, according to an analysis published by the South China Morning Post citing the Financial Times. The project continues with participants including mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE, alongside the recent activation of the Monetary Authority of Macao. The author argues that payment diversification reflects practical settlement efficiency rather than an outright abandonment of the US dollar.

Industry News

UAE Enterprise AI Adoption Rises to 72 Percent, Joint Report Shows

Artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses increased to 72% in 2026, up from 53% in 2025, according to a joint study by the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Developed by research firm Strand Partners, the report found that 85% of adopting companies experienced accelerated digital transformation. Cloud infrastructure investments continue to support the expansion, including AWS's planned AED 20.1 billion investment in the country through 2037.

China–UAE News

BlackRock Report Details China’s Move Up Advanced Manufacturing and AI Value Chain

The BlackRock Investment Institute reported that China is increasingly competing on quality rather than pure scale across advanced manufacturing and technology. In 2025, China represented 14.8% of global merchandise exports while its import share dropped to 9.8% amid deeper domestic supply integration. BlackRock maintained a neutral stance on broader Chinese equities while highlighting selective opportunities in physical AI and tech hardware.

China–UAE News

Analysis: Horn of Africa Emerges as Strategic Hub for UAE and China

An analysis by NoonPost examines how the Horn of Africa has become a major focus of international competition over global maritime routes and coastal logistics. Under normal conditions, the Suez and Bab el-Mandeb corridor carries roughly 12 percent of global trade, whereas rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope adds 10 to 14 days and nearly $1 million in fuel expenses per voyage. The report highlights contrasting infrastructure footprints, including China's investments in Djibouti's railway and Doraleh port alongside the UAE's maritime projects in Berbera and Bosaso.