Middle East

Policy & Legal Updates

China’s NDRC Issues Updated Administrative Measures for Outbound Direct Investment

China's National Development and Reform Commission has issued new Administrative Measures for Outbound Investment, which take effect on December 1, 2026. The new framework replaces NDRC Order No. 11 and codifies procedural requirements for Chinese enterprises investing abroad, including in the UAE. The measures retain a risk-based review structure while streamlining verification for eligible non-sensitive outbound transactions.

China–UAE News

Masdar City Free Zone to Open Fourth China Office in Beijing

Abu Dhabi's Masdar City Free Zone plans to open its fourth China office in Beijing as it currently registers six to seven Chinese firms monthly. Chinese enterprises are increasingly establishing operations, research facilities, and tailored products in the UAE.

China–UAE News

US Dominates Gulf AI Investments as China Retains Strategic Regional Footprint

Major US technology companies have pledged roughly USD 40 billion to Gulf artificial intelligence projects, securing dominant partnerships with UAE's G42 and Saudi Arabia's Humain. However, Chinese companies retain deep infrastructural ties across the Middle East, including local Huawei cloud regions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt alongside USD 1 billion in publicized AI commitments. Regional players are actively hedging their bets to avoid total reliance on any single technology supplier.

Industry News

Gulf Nations Accelerate Space Ambitions as UAE Unveils Asteroid Mission Probe

The UAE has unveiled an Abu Dhabi-built probe for its 2028 Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt targeting asteroid 269 Justitia. Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Oman are advancing domestic space capabilities and infrastructure to diversify their economies. The regional expansion comes as West Asian countries navigate international partnerships between the United States and China.