Dubai Launches UAE-China Smart Transport Centre to Accelerate Clean Mobility Cooperation

The UAE-China Smart Transport Centre has been officially launched in Dubai as a permanent platform dedicated to advancing cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and China in smart and clean mobility. The announcement was made during the UAE-China Industrial Cooperation Forum on green and smart mobility, held as part of the Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026, announced the establishment of the centre. He stated that the platform was conceived in response to proposals raised by government representatives and Chinese companies during sideline discussions on the exhibition's opening day. Stakeholders emphasised the need for clear regulatory pathways, verification of vehicle compatibility with local charging infrastructure, engagement with local service partners, and sustained communication with public decision-makers.

According to Al Shezawi, the centre will not operate as a conventional physical headquarters but rather as an institutional framework operating across three main tracks. The first track will serve as a single access window to assist Chinese enterprises with regulatory requirements, certifications, and licensing. The second track will convene regular bilateral meetings throughout the year, linking Chinese vehicle and tech manufacturers with UAE fleet operators, charging-network providers, industrial partners, and investors.

The third track will support commercial and technical pilot projects in high-tech transport segments, including autonomous taxis, autonomous logistics, charging systems, and energy technologies. Al Shezawi stated that these trials will enable companies to validate their technologies in the UAE before expanding into broader regional markets.

Highlighting the economic foundation of the initiative, Al Shezawi noted that bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and China exceeded US$100 billion for the first time last year, representing annual growth of 24.5 percent. He added that the collaboration aligns with Dubai's transport strategy, which includes converting the emirate's entire taxi and limousine fleet to electric and hydrogen power by 2040.