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The UAE is positioning its free-zone network as the Middle East gateway for a China-backed BRICS artificial intelligence initiative. The framework connects trade corridors, digital infrastructure, and regulatory sandboxes between Chinese and Emirati tech enterprises. It aims to accelerate commercial AI adoption and support wider Gulf efforts to attract Chinese high-tech investments.
Chinese refiners have suspended refined-product exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau until further notice, pushing Brent futures above $100 per barrel. The move comes as Middle East crude exports rebounded to 17.5 million barrels per day following the restart of Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline.
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala led GCC sovereign wealth funds in the first nine months of 2026, deploying $26.2 billion globally. China, including Hong Kong, emerged as the second-largest international destination for Gulf sovereign capital, attracting 10% of total invested funds.
A survey of 100 institutional investors managing $513 billion found that 56% expect the US and China to jointly lead global AI within five years. Conducted by Pureprofile for Robocap across eight markets including the UAE and China, the report notes closing gaps in patents, research graduates, and applied robotics. All surveyed investors also projected that the UAE and Saudi Arabia will make significant progress toward becoming global AI hubs.
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