Dubai-China non-oil trade reached about $99bn in 2025 as Chinese investment nearly tripled
Non-oil trade between Dubai and China reached about $99 billion in 2025, up almost 23% year on year. Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) capital into Dubai rose from about $326.8 million in 2024 to more than $925.8 million, nearly three times the previous level.
Dubai Opens an AI Sandbox
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched an AI Sandbox that lets technology companies test artificial intelligence products in real-world conditions while working directly with regulators. Announced on 29 October 2026 through the Sandbox Dubai platform, the programme is open to both local and international firms, and applications close on 18 December 2026.
UAE Eases E-Invoicing Rules: What It Means for Foreign Investors
The UAE has made its new e-invoicing regime easier to live with for internationally structured businesses. On 19 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Decision No. 197 of 2026, amending the rules ahead of the January 2027 go-live. The changes took effect from 1 October 2026.
Abu Dhabi Makes Speed-to-Operation Its Benchmark
Abu Dhabi is changing the way it measures business competitiveness. Rather than looking only at how quickly a single government transaction is processed, the emirate is focusing on the full investor journey: the time between a decision to invest and the start of actual operations. The stated aim is for Abu Dhabi to become the global reference point for that measure.
New Direct Shipping Route Linking Shenzhen to Sharjah Gives Chinese Exporters a Faster Path to the Middle East
According to Arabian Business, a new direct maritime route between southern China and the UAE has opened, connecting Xiaomo International Logistics Port in Shenzhen with Khorfakkan Port in Sharjah. The link promises to shorten shipping times and give Chinese manufacturers a more dependable gateway into the Gulf region.
WeRide Targets Up to 10,000 Robotaxis in Saudi Arabia by 2030
Guangzhou-based autonomous driving company WeRide plans to scale its Saudi robotaxi fleet to between 7,000 and 10,000 vehicles by the end of the decade.
Oman and China Explore Investment Cooperation Across Special Economic Zones
Oman's OPAZ and China's Hainan Province held talks on deeper investment cooperation across Oman's special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities.
Qatar's Q2 2026 Numbers Show Foreign Company Formation Accelerating
Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) reported QR248.44 billion ($68.25 billion) in cumulative industrial investment by the second quarter of 2026, alongside increases in business registrations, foreign company formation, and private-sector exports.