Middle East

China–UAE News

Saudi Central Bank Concludes mBridge Role Amid China Cross-Border Payment Initiative

Saudi Arabia announced on September 19, 2026, that it had completed its participation in the China-led mBridge CBDC initiative over a year prior. The Saudi Central Bank stated its involvement was limited to the proof-of-concept phase finished in May 2025. An analysis by Small Wars Journal noted that technical participation in emerging payment systems does not ensure long-term geopolitical alignment.

Industry News

Abu Dhabi Launches Health Entrepreneurship Programme for Emerging Markets in Africa and Asia

Abu Dhabi's Future Health initiative has launched a programme to support early-stage health ventures across Africa and Asia. Delivered with social enterprise Bridge for Billions, the initiative will identify approximately 50 entrepreneurs for structured online incubation followed by an Abu Dhabi acceleration phase. The programme connects emerging-market innovators with UAE healthcare providers, regulators, and investors.

China–UAE News

UNCTAD Report: UAE Attracts $48 Billion FDI as China Investments Surge

GCC foreign direct investment inflows rose 18 percent to $99 billion in 2025, with the UAE securing approximately $48 billion, according to UNCTAD. China and India were highlighted as key rapidly growing sources for industrial and technology investments in the region. Outward GCC investment also climbed 11 percent to $130 billion.

Industry News

SABIC Confirms Fujian Petrochemical Complex on Track for Fourth-Quarter Startup

Saudi petrochemical major SABIC confirmed that its multibillion-dollar Fujian complex in China is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Chief Executive Officer Faisal Al-Faqeer stated that three polyethylene and polypropylene units completed successful trial runs on their first attempt. The progress coincided with SABIC posting a third-quarter adjusted net income of $224.3 million.