Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
Chinese direct investment in the UAE reached $2.6 billion during the latest reporting cycle, marking a more than threefold annual increase. Cumulative investment stock rose to $12.47 billion, making the UAE the top Middle Eastern recipient of Chinese capital. Chinese banks now hold over 30 percent of assets in DIFC's banking sector.
Abu Dhabi is advancing a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative titled 'Zero Hormuz' to reduce logistics reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Managed by sovereign platform L'imad Holding, the program expands container and oil facilities in Fujairah to safeguard freight and energy exports to partners including China. The move coincides with plans to take AD Ports Group private at a valuation near $9 billion.
China's direct investment in the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year as bilateral non-oil trade crossed $100 billion. China Securities received DFSA regulatory approval to establish a presence in DIFC, where Chinese banks now hold over 30 percent of assets. Multiple major Chinese energy and battery companies are also scheduled to participate in ADIPEC 2026.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority announced that taxable entities with annual revenues equal to or exceeding AED 50 million must appoint an accredited e-invoicing service provider by October 30, 2026. The requirement was outlined during a joint awareness conference in Dubai attended by more than 700 participants. The e-invoicing framework will automate invoice workflows and integrate directly with the EmaraTax platform.
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