Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen Gathers Over 850 Chinese Business Leaders

The Dubai Business Forum – China concluded in Shenzhen, bringing together 854 Chinese investors and business leaders alongside a 112-member delegation from Dubai's public and private sectors, according to Emirates 24|7. Dubai Chambers identified the group as the largest overseas business delegation it has ever led. Held under the theme 'Momentum at Scale: Accelerating Shared Success', the forum was supported by the Shenzhen Chamber of International Commerce and the China Chamber of International Commerce Guangzhou Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured 22 speakers across 15 sessions focused on economic collaboration in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, logistics, smart mobility, the digital economy, and venture capital. In an opening address, Dubai Chambers Chairman Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori stated that China is Dubai's largest global trading partner.

According to data cited by Al Mansoori, bilateral non-oil trade increased 118.4% from AED 166.4 billion in 2016 to roughly AED 363.5 billion in 2025. Dubai also attracted more than 300 Chinese foreign direct investment projects with capital exceeding AED 24.6 billion between 2016 and 2025. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, non-oil trade expanded by nearly 23%, while Chinese FDI into Dubai grew from around AED 1.2 billion to more than AED 3.4 billion.

Dubai Chambers reported that active Chinese member companies reached 6,650 by the end of September 2026, more than triple the total in 2016. Over 3,830 of these enterprises operate within Dubai's trade and services sectors, representing approximately 58% of all Chinese member entities.