Abu Dhabi's Economic Delegation Strengthens Ties with China for Future Investments

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Commercial Ties with China

Abu Dhabi is on a mission to enhance its economic relationships and investment opportunities with China. Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), a delegation comprising around 140 high-ranking officials from various sectors is traveling to China to engage with key stakeholders and explore new business avenues.

This strategic initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a vital hub for Chinese investments within the Middle East, as the bilateral trade between the UAE and China is projected to reach a staggering $200 billion by 2030. Notably, the emirate is already home to a significant number of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating within the UAE, primarily in essential sectors such as technology, finance, and energy.

The delegation is taking part in high-profile meetings in major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, aiming to solidify strategic relationships with Chinese counterparts. This visit, starting from February 17, 2025, is a vital component of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to connect with advanced economies and attract new investments into its growing market.

Led by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, the President of ADDED, the delegation plans to engage in more than 20 bilateral meetings with significant Chinese government officials, including Chen Jining of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, and prominent mayors of major cities. Additionally, interactions with leaders from both the public and private sectors will bolster cooperation efforts, fostering an environment ripe for investment and growth.

In a statement, Al Zaabi emphasized Abu Dhabi's commitment to cultivating strong partnerships with leading economies, mentioning how this collaboration positively contributes to global economic trends. He remarked, “Our long-standing relations with China continue to strengthen, witnessed by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over recent years. We are focused on deepening cooperation and exploring opportunities across various sectors to expand our partnerships.”

An exciting highlight of the visit will be the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), organized by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), to be held on February 18 and 20. With the theme "Invest with Abu Dhabi," the forum aims to connect Chinese investors and enterprises to the wealth of opportunities that Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing economy offers.

The ADIF is set to feature a comprehensive program including opening speeches, expert panels, and bilateral meetings with representatives from diverse sectors within Abu Dhabi’s economy. Esteemed executives from institutions such as ADNOC, Mubadala, and HSBC will be providing insights into the investment landscape, showcasing prospects in technology, financial services, healthcare, and commerce.

In conjunction with the ADIF, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is collaborating with ADGM, ADIO, and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to conduct the "Business Connect - Abu Dhabi-Shanghai" event on February 19. This initiative aims to cultivate stronger economic ties between the business communities of Abu Dhabi and China.

As Abu Dhabi continues to develop a favorable regulatory environment and enhance its world-class investment landscape, platforms like ADIF and Business Connect are vital for showcasing new opportunities and strategic initiatives that can spur collaboration between Chinese business leaders and their Abu Dhabi counterparts. This indicates a promising trajectory toward building robust economic partnerships that can thrive in the global marketplace, leveraging Abu Dhabi's burgeoning economy as it progresses toward its next developmental phases.