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UAE-China Economic Surge
The UAE and China have dramatically expanded their economic partnership, with non-oil bilateral trade surpassing $111 billion in 2025.
“Anybody who understands economics will want to build relationship with China”
The UAE-China Business Promotion Conference brought together ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from both countries.
24 Memorandums of Understanding were signed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
China remains the UAE's largest trading partner, accounting for about 11 percent of its total non-oil trade.
The UAE is also China's leading trading partner in the Middle East and Africa.
Strategic Partnership Beyond Trade
The UAE and China are deepening a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to strengthen coordination in light of the choice between peace and war.
The Crown Prince affirmed the UAE's commitment to continuing to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
The two sides discussed regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of promoting stability.
Several memorandums of understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
Energy and Emerging Sectors
China has called for deeper energy cooperation with the UAE.
“Li said China is willing to strengthen its energy partnership with the UAE and expand cooperation into emerging sectors”
Premier Li Qiang highlighted potential collaboration in energy storage, hydrogen energy, and new energy vehicles.
Li raised concerns over the safety of Chinese citizens operating in the UAE amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Wang Yi emphasized that the UAE and China are natural friends and partners.
The two countries' economies are highly complementary.
Mutual Recognition and Regional Role
The UAE has emerged as a pivotal partner in China's Middle East strategy.
Approximately 17,000 trade licenses are linked to Chinese nationals in the UAE.
China is the third largest source of foreign direct investment in the UAE.
The two sides committed to strengthening communication on multilateral platforms.
The relationship remains relatively superficial and transactional.