Chinese companies are increasingly targeting Dubai as their primary platform for global expansion, drawn by the emirate's competitive advantages, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies. The CEOs of three major Chinese firms have publicly backed Dubai for growth across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond — as Dubai International Chamber continues to deepen ties with Chinese business.
Dubai Business Forum China to Strengthen Economic Ties
To accelerate economic cooperation between Dubai and China, Dubai Chambers is organising the Dubai Business Forum China on 21–22 August. The event targets multinationals, unicorns, and fast-growing Chinese startups, encouraging them to partner with Dubai-based businesses and expand intra-regional trade and investment.
The forum will focus on green technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and renewable energy — sectors that underline Dubai's ambitions as a forward-looking international business city.
Meorient CEO: Dubai Is the Exhibition Hub for MEA
Gavil Fang, CEO of Meorient — which hosts the China Homelife Dubai Exhibition — described Dubai as "the exhibition hub" for Middle Eastern, Asian, and African markets. He stressed that Dubai's location gives Chinese firms unparallelled access to international markets, and highlighted Dubai Chambers' role in helping companies understand market dynamics and trade flows.
TUYA Smart Co-Founder Praises Dubai's Market Neutrality
Alex Yang, co-founder of TUYA Smart, the China-based cloud platform that entered Dubai last year, praised the "neutrality of the city's market," which he said aligns with TUYA's mission around smart living and ESG standards. Yang also expressed confidence in Dubai's ability to lead on artificial intelligence and innovation, citing the company's close engagement with Dubai Chambers as a key factor.
United Imaging Healthcare Picks Dubai for R&D Network
Dr. Jusong Xia, President of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare, said the UAE — and Dubai specifically — was chosen for its easier registration procedures and strong business policies for the healthcare sector. Dr. Xia noted that their Dubai network will serve as a strategic base for all future research and development investments in progressive healthcare.
Why Chinese Businesses Are Betting on Dubai
The convergence of favourable regulations, geographic positioning between East and West, and targeted sectoral support makes Dubai a natural gateway for Chinese companies entering MEA markets. With the number of active Chinese firms in Dubai's Chamber of Commerce growing by 12% in H1 2024, the momentum behind Chinese business expansion in the emirate shows no signs of slowing.
