By Zheng Qingting, 21st Century Business Herald
"The economic partnership between China and the UAE is entering a new phase, driven by natural synergies in digital trade, artificial intelligence, energy, and logistics. As China leads globally in electric vehicles, solar technology, and AI, Dubai is positioning itself as the gateway for these industries to expand worldwide."
This statement was made by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), during an exclusive interview with the 21st Century Business Herald while visiting China for a roadshow. He noted that amid increasing global uncertainty and supply chain restructuring, Dubai has become a hotspot for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.
Growing Economic Ties Between China and the UAE
In recent years, economic ties between the UAE and China have surged:
- Bilateral trade rose from $2 billion (7.4B AED)** in **2000** to nearly **$100B (367B AED) in 2023.
- By Q3 2024, trade reached $74.5B (273.4B AED)**, projected to hit **$200B (734B AED) by 2030.
- Chinese investment in the UAE grew 16%, while UAE investment in China surged 120%.
This growth aligns with DMCC’s expanding membership: nearly 1,000 Chinese firms now operate within DMCC, accounting for 15% of all Chinese businesses in the UAE.
Why Dubai?
- Strategic Location: Bridges East and West, offering access to MENA, Africa, and South Asia.
- Business-Friendly Policies: 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate/personal income tax.
- Specialized Clusters: Focus on commodities, AI, Web3, and energy.
Key Industries and Opportunities
1. Gold and Commodities
- The UAE has surpassed the UK as the world’s second-largest gold trading hub (after the US).
- Dubai’s transparent, efficient gold market processed $129B in gold (2024), up 36% YoY.
- DMCC’s Trade Future Report predicts Dubai will become the central hub linking African/Russian producers with Asian consumers.
2. AI and Web3
- DMCC launched an AI Centre and Crypto Hub (hosting 600+ blockchain firms).
- "Dubai is neutral ground," said Sulayem, citing DeepSeek’s recent exploratory visit.
- Unlike some nations wary of China’s AI rise, Dubai welcomes collaboration.
3. Electric Vehicles and Renewables
- With China leading in EVs and solar tech, DMCC offers infrastructure and networks for global scaling.
- Example: Hikvision (AIoT giant) recently opened its regional HQ at DMCC’s Uptown Tower.
FAQs
Q: What makes DMCC different from other UAE free zones?
A: DMCC contributes 7% to Dubai’s GDP, hosts 25,000+ firms, and provides tailored support for Chinese companies, including pre-registration via its Shenzhen office.
Q: Which Chinese companies operate in DMCC?
A: Firms like Sinopec, Hisense, and China State Construction use DMCC as their MENA base. Membership grew 17.5% in 12 months.
Q: How does Dubai support China’s Belt and Road Initiative?
A: As a logistics/trade hub, Dubai connects China to Africa/Europe. DMCC aligns with BRI pillars (e.g., commodities, fintech).
👉 Why Top Firms Choose DMCC for Global Expansion
Conclusion
Dubai’s pro-business ecosystem, gold/commodities leadership, and tech-friendly policies make it the ideal springboard for Chinese firms eyeing global markets. With DMCC’s support, companies can leverage:
- Zero-tax structures
- AI/Web3 innovation hubs
- Seamless access to 2B+ consumers
For businesses ready to scale, DMCC offers the infrastructure, flexibility, and neutrality needed to thrive.