Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
Dubai announced strategic trade and investment initiatives on October 2, 2026, targeting deeper ties with Chinese firms in AI, electric vehicles, and fintech. The programme involves major logistics entities such as DP World China and Emirates SkyCargo to enhance bilateral trade corridors.
Chinese autonomous driving companies including WeRide, Baidu Apollo Go, and Momenta are expanding commercial robotaxi deployments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The rollouts align with Dubai's goal of making 25 percent of mobility trips driverless. Bilateral cooperation was formalized through a digital economy and AI memorandum of understanding signed by UAE and Chinese ministries.
China's outbound direct investment into the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling from the previous reporting year and raising cumulative investment stock to $12.47 billion. Bilateral non-oil trade surpassed $100 billion alongside major UAE expansions by Chinese firms including China Securities, JINGDONG Property, and Momenta.
Iran has approved 10 foreign investment projects worth over $130 million in Isfahan Province during the first half of the current Iranian year. The approved ventures include investors from China, the UAE, Afghanistan, Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany-based Iranians. Projects span multiple sectors including solar power, steel production, cotton yarn, clinic construction, and POS terminals.
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