Machinery, materials, industrial development and supply chains
Dubai is optimistic regarding the future of bilateral trade with China, according to Dubai Chambers Chairman Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori in an interview with CGTN. The emirate re-exports nearly 40 percent of its imports from China across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Europe. Dubai currently hosts over 6,600 Chinese companies and is seeking to expand partnerships.
African investors and business leaders at the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 highlighted Sharjah's infrastructure and logistics capabilities as a launchpad for economic partnerships. The discussions coincided with UAE-Africa non-oil trade reaching approximately $158 billion in 2025, up 41.6% year-on-year. Business representatives pointed to opportunities across the automotive sector, consumer goods, real estate, and local manufacturing as alternatives to Asian sourcing.
Inward foreign direct investment projects from China into Dubai surged from 11 in 2021 to 91 in 2025, with registered Chinese member companies at Dubai Chambers reaching 6,650. Chinese enterprises including Meituan's Keeta, J&T Express, and Baidu are deepening operational integration within the emirate across logistics and autonomous transport.
Economic cooperation between China and Dubai has entered an advanced stage focused on industrial co-construction and innovation, according to CCPIT Zhejiang. Strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing are being aligned with Dubai's economic agenda to serve as an operational gateway.
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