Qatar and China deepened bilateral engagement across several sectors, including the renewal of their local currency swap agreement between central banks. The Qatar Financial Centre signed cooperation pacts in Beijing, while Qatari firm Aamal partnered with China Railway Tunnel Group on infrastructure projects.
The Central Bank of the UAE met with the People's Bank of China during the 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The bilateral talks addressed cross-border payment systems, financial innovation, sustainable finance, and trade settlement connectivity. During the summit, the UAE also confirmed Abu Dhabi as host for the 2029 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
The Central Bank of the UAE held bilateral talks with the People's Bank of China during the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The discussions focused on expanding cross-border payment systems, financial innovation, sustainable finance, and trade settlement connectivity. During the summit, the UAE also signed a formal agreement to host the 2029 Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi.
Saudi Arabia announced on September 19, 2026, that it had completed its participation in the China-led mBridge CBDC initiative over a year prior. The Saudi Central Bank stated its involvement was limited to the proof-of-concept phase finished in May 2025. An analysis by Small Wars Journal noted that technical participation in emerging payment systems does not ensure long-term geopolitical alignment.
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.
