Oil and gas, renewables, storage and environmental industries
Brent crude climbed back over $105 a barrel amid warnings of expanding conflict between the United States and Iran. Maritime risks mounted following a fatal commercial ship strike in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to Red Sea energy routes. Diplomatic discussions during the United Nations General Assembly have produced little sign of a peace deal.
Arthur D. Little's 2026 Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index ranks the UAE 22nd globally and first in the Gulf with a score of 53. China ranked first worldwide with a score of 106, having achieved vehicle parity alongside Norway. The report found that ecosystem integration and public charging infrastructure are now defining global EV adoption competitiveness.
Chinese direct investment across the MENA region doubled to $4.8 billion in 2025, driven largely by capital inflows into the UAE. Net direct investment in the UAE grew 237.7% to $2.6 billion, raising China's total investment stock in the country to $12.47 billion. The UAE now holds more than 40% of China's investment stock in the MENA region and receives over 50% of its new capital flows.
A delegation of 15 Chinese women entrepreneurs concluded a two-week official visit to the UAE on September 24, 2026. Jointly organised by the General Women's Union and the UAE Embassy in Beijing, the tour included B2B meetings across multiple emirates. The participating Chinese firms represent combined annual revenues of approximately 4.85 billion yuan across sectors including renewable energy, biotechnology, and infrastructure.
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