Non-oil trade between Dubai and China reached 2.1 trillion dirhams ($571.8 billion) between 2016 and 2025, expanding 23 percent in 2025. Chinese direct investment into Dubai surged 179 percent year-on-year to 3.4 billion dirhams in 2025, with active Chinese member companies in the Dubai Chamber reaching 6,650 by September 2026.
Dubai is seeking to attract more Chinese manufacturing companies to increase the manufacturing sector's share of its economy to approximately 20%, Dubai Chambers Chairman Sultan Al Mansoori said. In an interview on the sidelines of the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, Al Mansoori noted the share currently stands between 9% and 11%. Bilateral non-oil trade reached Dh363.5 billion in 2025, and active Chinese member companies in the Dubai Chamber reached 6,650 by September 2026.
The Dubai Business Forum – China concluded in Shenzhen with 854 Chinese investors and business leaders alongside a 112-member delegation from Dubai Chambers. Non-oil trade between Dubai and China reached AED 363.5 billion in 2025, having grown 118.4% since 2016. Active Chinese member companies in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 6,650 by late September 2026.
Active Chinese company membership in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 6,650 by late September 2026, marking a rise exceeding 200 percent since 2016. Over 3,830 of these entities operate within the trading and services sectors. Dubai Chambers emphasized attracting Chinese manufacturers as a key strategic objective as firms scale up into regional headquarters.
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