Prime Highlight
- The fifth International Dubai Business Forum will be held in Shenzhen to strengthen Dubai’s global business ties and attract foreign direct investment, especially from China.
- Dubai is positioning itself as a gateway for Chinese companies to expand globally, with a strong focus on the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
- The forum will take place on May 14, 2026, marking the second time the event is hosted in China after the 2024 Beijing edition.
- The number of active Chinese member companies registered with Dubai Chambers grew from 2,056 in 2015 to 6,355 by November 2025, a 209 percent increase.
Background
The fifth International Dubai Business Forum will take place in Shenzhen on May 14, 2026, Dubai Chambers announced on Thursday. The event aims to widen Dubai’s global business network and promote the city as a top destination for foreign direct investment.
This will be the second time the forum is held in China after the 2024 edition in Beijing. Dubai Chambers said Shenzhen was chosen because of its strong focus on innovation and digital growth.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said the forum will create clear paths for growth in the digital economy. He said Dubai wants Chinese firms to use the city as a base to expand into global markets.
Lootah stressed that building the digital economy is a core goal of the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda. Under this plan, Dubai wants the digital economy to form 20 percent of its total economy by 2033, with a value of about 200 billion yuan.
He added that Dubai is keen to attract service-based companies in artificial intelligence. The city plans to use AI not only in tech but also in sectors such as healthcare to improve public services and daily life.
Dubai Chambers also highlighted Dubai’s role as a regional business hub. Companies based in the city can reach over 70 countries across the Middle East and Africa. The UAE has signed trade agreements with 27 countries, allowing firms to export products without tax to these markets.
Trade data shows the UAE remains China’s biggest trading partner in the Arab world. About 60 percent of Chinese products are re-exported from UAE ports to more than 400 cities in the Middle East and North Africa.
Chinese firms continue to grow in Dubai. The number of active Chinese member companies under Dubai Chambers rose from 2,056 in 2015 to 6,355 by November 2025, marking a 209 percent increase.
