Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
Bilateral non-oil trade between Dubai and China reached 2.1 trillion dirhams ($571.8 billion) between 2016 and 2025, according to Dubai Chambers. Speaking at the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, officials noted that Chinese foreign direct investment into Dubai surged 179 percent in 2025 across 91 projects.
The Abu Dhabi Residents Office has released the eligibility criteria and financial thresholds for its one-year Remote Work Residence Visa. Applicants must earn at least USD 3,500 monthly from an entity based outside the UAE and provide six months of bank statements. The permit carries non-working residential status, barring holders from onshore UAE employment.
The UAE is creating an artificial intelligence platform to quickly identify international trade barriers and steer exporters toward alternative markets. The tool evaluates global tariffs and recommends substitute commercial partners to protect domestic businesses amid growing trade protectionism.
Chinese technology companies are shifting from initial market entry to scaling operations in Dubai to test products prior to international rollout, according to Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Vice President Saeed Al Gergawi. Speaking at the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, he highlighted fast deployment cycles as a key driver attracting artificial intelligence developers. The gathering coincided with bilateral trade reaching approximately $99 billion in 2025.
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