Four major Chinese state commercial banks have agreed to provide a US$3 billion loan facility to QatarEnergy, while Saudi Aramco is negotiating a US$10 billion credit facility involving Chinese lenders. These dollar-denominated commitments follow a record US$11.5 billion in Chinese bank lending to Gulf borrowers in 2025.
Dubai-based DP World is launching a weekly shipping service connecting major Chinese export hubs with Tanzania and Mozambique via Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, dnata is investing AUD 32 million in an air cargo terminal at Australia's Western Sydney International Airport, and DP World opened a logistics hub in Italy. In parallel, global banks are expanding wealth management teams in Dubai, and French explorer Mantle8 has started a natural hydrogen exploration project in Ras Al Khaimah.
Panellists at the Securities Finance Symposium in Dubai highlighted securities financing and repo transactions as essential infrastructure for developing the UAE's capital markets. Speakers from HSBC, BNP Paribas Asset Management, and Broadridge noted that regional demand has expanded from directional shorting into relative value, index rebalancing, and balance sheet management strategies. The panel emphasised that scalable technology, straight-through processing, and standardised market practices are necessary to transition from market access to consistent ecosystem participation.
Industry leaders at the Securities Finance Symposium in Dubai evaluated the transformation and future priorities of the UAE securities finance market. Banking and legal specialists highlighted the resilience of repo markets while calling for improved collateral mobility, real-time settlement, and Islamic finance standardisation. Participants also noted that regulatory responsibilities have increasingly shifted toward exchanges like the Dubai Financial Market.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
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.
