Government

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took part as Guest of Honour in the 7th edition of the China-Arab States Expo, held from August 28 to 31 in Yinchuan, China. Under the theme “Innovation, Green, and Prosperity”, the UAE showcased investment opportunities and areas of cooperation with China across key sectors including technology, energy, green development, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Hussein Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China; H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; along with more than 50 representatives from 17 public and private entities. Establishing the largest national pavilion at the expo, the UAE presented its competitive business environment and strategic position as a hub linking the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Strengthening bilateral ties

H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh emphasized that the UAE and China enjoy deep-rooted historical and strategic relations that continue to expand in line with the visions of both nations’ leadership. He stated:

“The UAE’s role as Guest of Honour underscores the strong momentum in our economic and commercial cooperation. This platform enhances trade partnerships, supports business dialogue, and reflects the civilisational ties between our peoples, rooted in the Silk Road and centuries of exchange.”

Highlighting the UAE’s pivotal role in regional trade, Al Saleh noted that China remains the UAE’s largest global trading partner, while the UAE serves as China’s leading non-oil trade hub in the Middle East and Africa. More than 60 percent of China’s regional exports transit through the UAE, underscoring the strength of bilateral cooperation.

Showcasing opportunities for growth

H.E. Hussein Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, described the UAE’s participation as an opportunity to highlight the country’s developmental achievements and to attract partnerships in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced agriculture, technology, and innovation.

“The expo reflects a shared commitment to advancing strategic cooperation and building a partnership based on mutual benefit,” Al Hammadi said. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of China for hosting the UAE as Guest of Honour.

UAE–China Business Forum

During the visit, the UAE delegation also took part in the UAE–China Business Forum, which brought together more than 200 government officials, executives, and investors from both nations. The forum focused on strengthening trade, expanding investment opportunities, and facilitating knowledge exchange across industries.

Trade and investment milestones

Non-oil trade between the UAE and China reached nearly USD 90 billion in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, trade grew by 15.6 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching close to USD 50 billion.

UAE investments in China surged by 95 percent in 2023, totaling USD 4.5 billion. Conversely, China ranks as the UAE’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment, with FDI amounting to USD 9 billion by the end of 2023.

Tourism also remains a strong link between the two nations, with more than one million Chinese visitors welcomed by the UAE in 2024. Air connectivity continues to expand, supported by over 110 direct flights each week between the two countries.

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