Middle East

China–UAE News

BYD Designates GCC as Top Priority and Plans Regional Parts Distribution Hub

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has named the GCC its top priority for international expansion, targeting increased investment in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The company plans to construct a dedicated regional spare parts distribution centre while expanding retail and after-sales infrastructure. BYD also aims to pursue regional opportunities in autonomous driving, robotics, battery energy storage, and an upcoming luxury vehicle debut.

Industry News

Middle East and Africa Least Sceptical on AI Data Centres, CARMA Finds

A media analysis by intelligence firm CARMA found that the Middle East and Africa is the least sceptical region globally regarding artificial intelligence data centres. The study evaluated traditional and social media coverage across more than 50 markets, finding that the UAE registered one of the highest shares of positive sentiment. Dominant global discussion themes centred on power supplies, resource usage, grid capacity, and infrastructure pressures.

China–UAE News

China’s September Solar Module Exports Surge Driven by Middle East Demand

China exported 23.92 GW of photovoltaic modules in September 2026, representing a 44.2% month-on-month increase, according to Shanghai Metals Market data. The rebound was largely driven by Middle East shipments, with combined purchases from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey exceeding 3.97 GW. Despite the monthly gain, total Chinese exports for the first nine months fell 9.6% year-on-year to 184.66 GW.

Industry News

UAE Captures $52.6 Billion in First-Half M&A Deals, Dominating GCC Activity

The UAE accounted for 80.9 percent of disclosed GCC M&A deal value in the first half of 2026, reaching $52.6 billion across 131 transactions, according to Apolonia Capital. While total regional deal count fell 18 percent, overall value rose 12 percent to $65.1 billion. In parallel, UAE audit firms Evas Constantin and Mac & Ross announced a merger into CPAC IMEA amid expanding corporate tax and compliance requirements.