Dubai Chambers Signs Trade Pacts Across China as Gulf EV Expansion Accelerates

Dubai Chambers formalized four memorandums of understanding with major commerce chambers in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing during the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen. The agreements establish direct institutional links designed to facilitate cross-border commercial opportunities, improve market intelligence sharing, and support corporate expansions. Collaborations target digital trade, supply chain management, logistics, and innovation-driven sectors. According to official figures, Dubai's non-oil bilateral trade with China reached AED 363.5 billion in 2025, solidifying China's position as the emirate's leading trade partner.

Separately, an analysis published by Asia Times reported that Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers—including BYD, Geely, Chery, Changan, MG, and Li Auto—are accelerating their expansion across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets amid Western trade restrictions. The report noted that the UAE accounted for approximately 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market in 2025 and currently maintains roughly 2,800 charging points, comprising about 1,250 direct-current chargers and 350 high-power units.

In regional expansion developments, BYD distributor Al-Futtaim opened new showrooms in Riyadh and Al-Qassim in September 2026, bringing its network to 10 locations in Saudi Arabia, and partnered with the state-backed Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ). Broader bilateral engagement also included a southern China mission by Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and advanced manufacturing discussions in Shanghai led by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.