The upcoming International Dubai Business Forum is set for May 14, 2026, in Shenzhen, a rapidly evolving hub for innovation in southern China. Initiated by Dubai Chambers, this event aims to enhance Dubai’s global connections and solidify the city as a premier destination for foreign investment.

Event Details and Significance

This will mark the second occurrence of the forum in China, following a successful 2024 event held in Beijing. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, the president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the importance of this forum as a means to create substantial opportunities for growth within the digital economy. He highlighted the potential for Chinese companies to utilize Dubai’s strategic advantages to expand their international footprint.

Lootah pointed out that the digital economy’s growth is crucial to the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda, aiming for this sector to constitute 20 percent of Dubai’s total economy by 2033, with an estimated value of about 200 billion yuan ($28.6 billion). This ambitious initiative offers Chinese digital firms and startups the chance to explore, establish, and flourish within Dubai’s vibrant market.

AI and Economic Opportunities

Lootah further mentioned that Dubai is in dire need of service-oriented companies specializing in artificial intelligence. He explained how not only is Dubai focusing on developing AI capabilities, but it is also leveraging this technology to empower other sectors, such as healthcare. The Dubai Chambers’ objective includes attracting more AI service providers to enhance the city’s economic landscape and improve living conditions for its residents.

As a pivotal regional hub, Dubai grants companies access to expansive markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Lootah noted that businesses based in Dubai could reach over 70 countries with their products and solutions. Additionally, he highlighted that the UAE has formed bilateral trade agreements with 27 countries. This arrangement allows companies investing in the UAE to export their products tax-free to these nations, creating enticing opportunities for manufacturers.

UAE-China Trade Relations

According to recent data, the UAE is recognized as China’s largest trading partner within the Arab region, with approximately 60 percent of Chinese products re-exported through UAE ports to more than 400 cities in the Middle East and North Africa. This makes the UAE a key strategic trading hub for China, further solidifying the mutual economic relationship between the two nations.

In 2024, a significant portion of electric vehicles imported into Dubai—about 80.8 percent—was sourced from China, with Germany and the United States trailing behind at 10.6 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. The growth in trade relations is evident in the increase of active Chinese member companies registered with Dubai Chambers, which surged from 2,056 in 2015 to 6,355 by the end of November 2025, reflecting a remarkable increase of 209 percent.

In summary, the International Dubai Business Forum represents a strategic initiative to foster growth in the digital economy and strengthen international partnerships between Dubai and Chinese companies. Through this collaboration, businesses can enjoy immense opportunities for expansion and success in a dynamic global marketplace.