Dubai-based Mashreq Bank has injected USD 125 million into its Hong Kong arm to expand cross-border financial services for Chinese firms and Middle Eastern investors. Concurrently, Chinese EV giant BYD is accelerating GCC capital investment in partnership with Al-Futtaim, operating 10 regional showrooms across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council as tariffs and regulatory barriers restrict Western market access, according to Asia Times. Industry estimates indicate the UAE represented approximately 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market in 2025, supported by roughly 2,800 charging points. Automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery are expanding distribution networks, after-sales operations, and charging partnerships across the region.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers including BYD, Geely, and Li Auto are expanding dealership networks and distribution partnerships in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In 2025, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles represented approximately 9% of new-vehicle sales in the UAE, which accounted for an estimated 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market.
An analysis by ORF Middle East highlights that SMEs represent 94 to 95 percent of UAE businesses and generate over 60 percent of non-oil GDP. The paper argues that achieving UAE Net-Zero by 2050 requires simplified emissions reporting, lower compliance costs, and enhanced transition finance for smaller firms. Decarbonising SMEs is increasingly vital as major domestic corporations tackle Scope 3 supply-chain emissions.
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