The creative industry is becoming an important growth driver for BRICS+ economies, supported by intellectual property, digital technology, and cultural assets, according to an analysis by TV BRICS reported by Bernama. China and the UAE were identified as leading technology-driven development models within the bloc. China accounts for the group's largest creative economy share at US$879 billion.
Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company has invested $1 billion in Chinese coffee giant Luckin Coffee. Following the investment, Luckin appointed Mubadala executive Philip Yifei Bao to its board of directors effective September 29, 2026. The capital injection comes as Luckin Coffee explores potential expansion into Middle East markets.
The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo concluded in Hangzhou, drawing over 50,000 attendees and securing seven bilateral China-Arab cooperation projects valued at $255 million. Concurrently, Chinese direct investment in the UAE reached $2.6 billion amid expanding operations from major Chinese technology firms. Bilateral partnerships also advanced through financial collaboration between Abu Dhabi Global Market and Shenzhen's Futian District, alongside autonomous driving infrastructure in Dubai.
China's annual outbound direct investment reached $213.58 billion, with outbound flows to the Middle East more than doubling and the UAE securing $2.6 billion as the primary recipient. The capital influx represents a more than threefold increase in direct Chinese investment in the UAE over the previous year. Concurrently, major Chinese energy and tech enterprises continue expanding operational footprints in the country, including Meituan's delivery platform Keeta.
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