China's direct investment in the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year as bilateral non-oil trade crossed $100 billion. China Securities received DFSA regulatory approval to establish a presence in DIFC, where Chinese banks now hold over 30 percent of assets. Multiple major Chinese energy and battery companies are also scheduled to participate in ADIPEC 2026.
China's outbound direct investment into the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year and lifting cumulative investment stock to $12.47 billion. Meanwhile, bilateral non-oil trade crossed $100 billion alongside major expansions by Chinese firms in autonomous driving, financial services, logistics, and energy.
China's outbound direct investment to the UAE expanded to $2.6 billion, more than tripling the previous year's total. Beijing-based China Securities received regulatory licensing from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to establish a regional office in DIFC. Concurrently, JINGDONG Property finalized an agreement to develop a 150,000-square-metre logistics complex in Abu Dhabi's KEZAD zone.
China's outbound direct investment into the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling compared to the previous reporting year and making the UAE the top Middle Eastern recipient of Chinese direct investment capital. Beijing-based China Securities obtained regulatory approvals to establish a regional office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, where Chinese banks now represent over 30 percent of total banking and capital markets assets. Concurrently, major Chinese firms including Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, CATL, and Envision Energy are slated to participate in ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
The UECN Brief
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.
