Dubai Emerges as Prime Hub for Chinese Businesses Seeking Global Expansion

Chinese businesses continue to view Dubai as the ideal launchpad for companies seeking to grow and expand globally

CEO of Meorient: "For us, Dubai is undoubtedly the exhibition capital of the Middle East and key markets in Asia and Africa." President of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare: "Beneficial policies and a favourable business environment are among the key factors in attracting Chinese enterprises to Dubai." Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Tuya Smart: "Dubai has the potential to nurture the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, establish industry benchmarks, and shape best practices across the globe." Dubai, UAE - Chinese business leaders have praised Dubai's role as a vital hub for opportunities and an ideal platform for business expansion in both regional and global markets due to the emirate's strong competitive advantages and attractive investment environment. Senior officials from three prominent Chinese companies, each of which has benefitted from the support of Dubai International Chamber in growing their businesses in the emirate and the wider Middle East and Africa region, stated that Dubai is home to exciting opportunities and enjoys the confidence of the Chinese business community thanks to its pivotal position on the global business map. As part of its drive to strengthen economic relations and build partnerships between the business communities in Dubai and China, Dubai Chambers is organising the Dubai Business Forum - China from 21 to 22 August. The event is aimed at showcasing the diverse investment opportunities available in the emirate and attracting multinational companies, unicorns, and fast-growing startups from China to Dubai, as well as supporting Chinese investors and businesses to establish partnerships with their counterparts in Dubai and promoting trade and intra-regional investments. Gavil Fang, CEO of Meorient, the first exhibition company to be listed on China's stock exchange and the host of the annual China Homelife Dubai Exhibition in the emirate, commented: "For us, Dubai is undoubtedly the exhibition capital of the Middle East and key markets in Asia and Africa. We believe that it is the best choice of trade hub for Chinese companies looking to expanding their business to the wider MENA region. Its strategic location offers Chinese businesses unparalleled access to global markets, and our partnership with Dubai Chambers has been essential in helping us understand market trends and shifting trade dynamics." Alex Yang, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Tuya Smart, a global cloud platform service provider that expanded into Dubai last year, stated: "Over the past few decades, Dubai has cultivated an inclusive and synergistic industry ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration. The Smart Living and ESG principles highlighted in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) align well with Tuya's values, cementing our confidence in collaborating with Dubai. We believe Dubai has the potential to nurture the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, establish industry benchmarks, and shape best practices across the globe, and we appreciate the support of Dubai Chambers as we embark on this journey." Dr. Jusong Xia, President of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare, commented: "Dubai offers efficient registration processes for the healthcare industry. Supportive policies and a favorable business environment are also among the key factors in attracting Chinese enterprises to Dubai. These elements played a significant role in our decision to choose Dubai as our regional headquarters in MENA" Dr. Xia added: "The network of relationships we have established in Dubai has been instrumental in our expansion efforts and serves as the foundation for our future plans for further investment in research and development as we advance the healthcare innovation industry. We look forward to leveraging the resources and opportunities Dubai Chambers provides to enhance our presence and operations in the region and beyond." Held under the theme 'China, Dubai and Beyond: Igniting Global Trade and Investment,' the Dubai Business Forum - China will bring together public and private sector partners from Dubai and China to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, enhance bilateral relations, and explore the promising opportunities created by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The sessions held during the event will highlight emerging opportunities in key sectors including green technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and renewable energy. As part of its growing global network of 31 international representative offices, Dubai International Chamber currently operates three offices in China in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. These offices play a key role in boosting trade and investments between China to Dubai, as well as supporting the expansion of Dubai-based companies into the Chinese market. About Dubai Chambers: Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai's vision as a global player by empowering businesses, delivering innovative value-added services, and unlocking access to influential networks. In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the restructuring of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which now operate under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers.

Dubai Chambers to organise Dubai Business Forum - China to boost economic, investment ties

DUBAI - Chinese business leaders have praised Dubai's role as a vital hub for opportunities and an ideal platform for business expansion in both regional and global markets due to the emirate's strong competitive advantages and attractive investment environment. Senior officials from three prominent Chinese companies, each of which has benefitted from the support of Dubai International Chamber in growing their businesses in the emirate and the wider Middle East and Africa region, stated that Dubai is home to exciting opportunities and enjoys the confidence of the Chinese business community thanks to its pivotal position on the global business map. As part of its drive to strengthen economic relations and build partnerships between the business communities in Dubai and China, Dubai Chambers is organising the Dubai Business Forum - China from 21st to 22nd August. The event is aimed at showcasing the diverse investment opportunities available in the emirate and attracting multinational companies, unicorns, and fast-growing startups from China to Dubai, as well as supporting Chinese investors and businesses to establish partnerships with their counterparts in Dubai and promoting trade and intra-regional investments. Gavil Fang, CEO of Meorient, the first exhibition company to be listed on China's stock exchange and the host of the annual China Homelife Dubai Exhibition in the emirate, commented, "For us, Dubai is undoubtedly the exhibition capital of the Middle East and key markets in Asia and Africa. We believe that it is the best choice of trade hub for Chinese companies looking to expand their business to the wider MENA region. Its strategic location offers Chinese businesses unparalleled access to global markets, and our partnership with Dubai Chambers has been essential in helping us understand market trends and shifting trade dynamics." Alex Yang, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Tuya Smart, a global cloud platform service provider that expanded into Dubai last year, stated, "Over the past few decades, Dubai has cultivated an inclusive and synergistic industry ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration. The Smart Living and ESG principles highlighted in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) align well with Tuya's values, cementing our confidence in collaborating with Dubai. We believe Dubai has the potential to nurture the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, establish industry benchmarks, and shape best practices across the globe, and we appreciate the support of Dubai Chambers as we embark on this journey." Dr. Jusong Xia, President of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare, commented, "Dubai offers efficient registration processes for the healthcare industry. Supportive policies and a favourable business environment are also among the key factors in attracting Chinese enterprises to Dubai. These elements played a significant role in our decision to choose Dubai as our regional headquarters in MENA." Dr. Xia added, "The network of relationships we have established in Dubai has been instrumental in our expansion efforts and serves as the foundation for our future plans for further investment in research and development as we advance the healthcare innovation industry. We look forward to leveraging the resources and opportunities Dubai Chambers provides to enhance our presence and operations in the region and beyond." Held under the theme 'China, Dubai and Beyond: Igniting Global Trade and Investment', the Dubai Business Forum - China will bring together public and private sector partners from Dubai and China to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, enhance bilateral relations, and explore the promising opportunities created by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The sessions held during the event will highlight emerging opportunities in key sectors including green technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and renewable energy. As part of its growing global network of 31 international representative offices, Dubai International Chamber currently operates three offices in China in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. These offices play a key role in boosting trade and investments between China to Dubai, as well as supporting the expansion of Dubai-based companies into the Chinese market.

Why Chinese firms see Dubai as a launchpad for global growth

Image: Getty Images Chinese business leaders have underscored Dubai's strategic role as a global hub for expansion, highlighting the emirate's competitive advantages and investment-friendly environment as key factors driving their growth in the Middle East and beyond. Senior executives from three leading Chinese firms - Meorient, Tuya Smart, and United Imaging Healthcare - emphasised Dubai's significance as a launchpad for global business ahead of the Dubai Business Forum - China, organised by Dubai International Chamber from August 21 to 22. The event serves as a platform to deepen economic ties between Dubai and China, while showcasing the emirate as a prime destination for Chinese enterprises seeking global growth. Gavil Fang, CEO of Meorient, the exhibition company listed on China's stock exchange and the host of the annual China Homelife Dubai Exhibition, described Dubai as the "exhibition capital of the Middle East and key markets in Asia and Africa." Fang elaborated, "Dubai's strategic location offers Chinese businesses unparalleled access to global markets, making it the best choice for companies looking to expand into the wider MENA region. Our partnership with Dubai Chambers has been instrumental in helping us navigate market trends and shifting trade dynamics." Alex Yang, co-founder and COO of Tuya Smart, a global cloud platform service provider that recently expanded into Dubai, lauded the emirate's inclusive and synergistic ecosystem. "Dubai has cultivated an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration over the past few decades," Yang noted. "The Smart Living and ESG principles in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) align with our values, reinforcing our confidence in collaborating with Dubai. We believe Dubai has the potential to nurture the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, establish industry benchmarks, and shape best practices globally," he added. Dr Jusong Xia, president of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare, highlighted the favourable business environment and supportive policies as key factors that attracted his company to establish its regional headquarters in Dubai. "Dubai offers efficient registration processes for the healthcare industry, and the supportive environment has been crucial in our decision-making," he said. "The network of relationships we've built here is foundational to our expansion efforts and future investments in research and development, advancing healthcare innovation in the region." Building stronger ties with Chinese firms The Dubai Business Forum - China, themed 'China, Dubai and Beyond: Igniting Global Trade and Investment,' aims to bolster cooperation between Dubai and Chinese public and private sector entities. The forum will explore promising opportunities in key sectors such as green technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and renewable energy, aligning with the objectives of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). As part of its global outreach, Dubai International Chamber operates three representative offices in China - Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong - which play a critical role in boosting trade and investment flows between China and Dubai. These offices also support Dubai-based companies seeking to expand into the Chinese market. Chinese businesses continue to view Dubai as an ideal launchpad for global expansion, with the emirate offering the strategic advantages, supportive policies, and collaborative environment needed to thrive on the international stage. UAE-China trade relations In other news, the trade and investment relationship between the UAE and China is going strong, spanning various sectors, including crude oil, petrochemicals, and artificial intelligence. In 2022, non-oil bilateral trade between the UAE and China reached approximately Dh264.2bn which grew to Dhs296bn in 2023, as per UAE government data. Chinese investments in the UAE grew by more than 16 per cent annually last year to $1.3bn. On the other hand, UAE investments in China surged by 120 per cent, accounting for 90 per cent of all Arab investments in China. In May, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.