Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum approved a strategy to establish the Global Centre for Research and Technology for Economic Zones under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. The centre aims to enhance foreign direct investment attraction by developing common standards and advanced operating models across economic zones. Its objectives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the 'We the UAE 2031' Vision.
Trade across the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority reached AED 246 billion ($66.98 billion) in the first half of 2026, marking a 17 percent increase year-on-year. The figures represent DIEZ's sixth consecutive year of record first-half trade performance. The zones accounted for approximately 16 percent of Dubai's total non-oil foreign trade during the period.
Dubai CommerCity signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Commerce Foundation to accelerate agentic AI tools in digital commerce. The agreement, signed at Ai Everything Abu Dhabi, connects enterprise testbeds across China, the UAE, Brazil, Spain, and Mexico. The initiative supports digital trade expansion, cross-border technology transfer, and automated supply chains.
Dubai CommerCity has unveiled an AED 1.8 billion Phase Two expansion scheduled for rollout between Q1 2027 and Q4 2028. The development follows an occupancy rate of nearly 96 percent across office, logistics, and retail spaces.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Business relationships in both markets
Forums, delegations and events
Policy updates and market insights
Membership
Join a network with a shared purpose.
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.