Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
UAE officials announced plans at the AI Everything 2026 summit to deploy thousands of autonomous taxis and delivery vehicles by 2027. The country aims to become the largest deployer of robotaxis outside China, leveraging expansions by Chinese autonomous driving firms including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide.
UAE authorities have stated that businesses generating at least AED 50 million annually must appoint an Accredited Service Provider for e-invoicing by October 30, 2026. Under Ministerial Decision No. 244 of 2025, large enterprises must achieve system go-live by January 1, 2027. Smaller enterprises must contract a provider by March 31, 2027, ahead of a July 1, 2027 deadline.
A UAE delegation led by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber attended GCC ministerial meetings in Bahrain from October 6 to 8 to advance industrial integration and supply chain resilience. Discussions focused on regional standardization, advanced technology deployment, and private sector partnerships. The sessions were held alongside the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Ai Everything Abu Dhabi 2026 convened over 400 exhibitors, 180 speakers, and 200 investors managing $100 billion in assets to address artificial intelligence deployment at scale. Hosted by Abu Dhabi's Department of Government Enablement, discussions highlighted the emirate's target to become an AI-native government by 2027 alongside sovereign compute, data storage, and infrastructure sustainability.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
