Inward foreign direct investment projects from China into Dubai surged from 11 in 2021 to 91 in 2025, with registered Chinese member companies at Dubai Chambers reaching 6,650. Chinese enterprises including Meituan's Keeta, J&T Express, and Baidu are deepening operational integration within the emirate across logistics and autonomous transport.
Bilateral trade between China and the UAE reached $108 billion in 2025, with Chinese direct investment standing at $2.6 billion. Over 6,650 Chinese companies are registered with Dubai Chambers as firms including Meituan, Baidu, J&T Express, and Huawei scale regional operations.
The UAE car rental industry is moving toward mobile-first services, replacing paperwork with app-based bookings and contactless identity verification. Fleet operators are deploying smart telematics, automated maintenance, and live GPS tracking while complying with Roads and Transport Authority standards. Future developments in the sector include AI-driven dynamic pricing, vehicle subscription models, and expanded electric vehicle integration.
Baidu's Apollo Go has secured Dubai's first driverless vehicle testing permit allowing operations without a human safety driver. The company also inaugurated Apollo Go Park in downtown Dubai, its first operations hub outside China. The initiatives support the UAE's plan to partner with Chinese technology leaders to roll out autonomous fleets.
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