EnterpriseAM

China–UAE News

US Dominates Gulf AI Investments as China Retains Strategic Regional Footprint

Major US technology companies have pledged roughly USD 40 billion to Gulf artificial intelligence projects, securing dominant partnerships with UAE's G42 and Saudi Arabia's Humain. However, Chinese companies retain deep infrastructural ties across the Middle East, including local Huawei cloud regions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt alongside USD 1 billion in publicized AI commitments. Regional players are actively hedging their bets to avoid total reliance on any single technology supplier.

China–UAE News

Chinese Banks Expand Debt Financing for Gulf Energy and Infrastructure Projects

Chinese state and commercial lenders have grown into anchor debt financiers for major Gulf energy and infrastructure utilities, according to EnterpriseAM. Regional entities including ACWA Power, Aramco, and ADNOC are utilizing Chinese loan syndications alongside Western and regional institutions. Notable deals include a $5.9 billion renewable energy package and a 1.8 billion yuan facility for a UAE emirate.

Industry News

UAE Investments in Egypt Provide Hormuz Hedge as War Shrinks Dubai Economy

UAE state-backed investments across Egyptian energy and port infrastructure are serving as a strategic hedge against transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Dubai's real GDP contracted 2.3% year-on-year in the first half of the year due to drops in trade and transport. The UAE continues building alternative maritime corridors through domestic pipelines, Khorfakkan, and Mediterranean ports in Egypt.

Industry News

Dubai Warehouse Tenants Prioritise Renewals as Regional Conflict Drives Cautious Leasing

Dubai warehouse tenants are opting to renew existing leases rather than commit to new spaces amid regional geopolitical uncertainty. Data from Cavendish Maxwell shows warehouse lease renewals surged 21.6% to a record high in the first half of 2026, while new lease contracts dropped 51.8% year-on-year. Despite the cautious sentiment, average rents in Dubai increased 12.4% over the same period.