Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
The UAE has climbed five places to rank 25th among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index published by WIPO. The country secured first place worldwide across four indicators, including start-up financing and entrepreneurial policies. It also recorded strong performances in high-tech exports, brand value, and mobile application downloads.
Abu Dhabi has expanded container terminals and oil storage at the Port of Fujairah under its 'Zero Hormuz' infrastructure initiative to secure direct trade corridors to China outside the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Dubai Chambers and the Greater Bay Area Importers and Exporters Association unveiled the delegation and attendee lineup for the 2026 Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen. Over 90 Dubai officials and senior executives, alongside more than 600 registered Chinese companies, are confirmed to participate in the bilateral event.
Intercontinental Exchange has launched new freight derivatives, including the first tanker freight futures on the TD34 route from the Gulf of Oman to China. The contracts are cash-settled based on Baltic Exchange assessments to help market participants hedge freight risk amid shipping disruptions. Average daily trading volume across ICE freight markets grew 33 percent year-to-date.
Dubai Chambers President and CEO Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah expects commercial and investment links with China to expand further. Speaking ahead of the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, Lootah emphasized growing appetite among Chinese technology and artificial intelligence firms to use Dubai as a gateway to regional and international markets. The initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to foster cross-border innovation and trade.
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