#Abu Dhabi #economic partnership #China Trade

Abu Dhabi's Economic Ambitions: Strengthening Ties with China

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is making significant strides in enhancing its trade and investment relations with China. As part of these ongoing efforts, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading a high-level economic delegation to China, which is anticipated to foster new partnerships and explore lucrative opportunities for both regions.

The objective is ambitious: to increase bilateral trade between the UAE and China to an astonishing $200 billion by 2030. This target underscores Abu Dhabi's aim to position itself as a pivotal gateway for Chinese investments across the Middle East and beyond. Currently, the UAE hosts around 6,000 Chinese firms operating in vital sectors such as technology, financial services, and energy, highlighting the depth of this collaboration.

On February 17, 2025, the delegation, composed of 140 senior officials and executives from various sectors, will commence its visit to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. This delegation is spearheaded by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, president of ADDED, and features representatives from key organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC. The visit is a part of a broader strategy to engage with high-ranking officials and influential Chinese business leaders to foster strategic relationships and explore new business avenues.

During the visit, the Abu Dhabi delegation plans to conduct over 20 bilateral meetings with esteemed government officials. Some notable meetings will be with Chen Jining, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, and John Lee, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, among others. Such engagements are expected to enhance cooperation and attract further investments and talent to Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi spoke on the economic potential of Abu Dhabi, stating, “As an emerging economic powerhouse, Abu Dhabi is continuously building and strengthening alliances with leading economies. We aim to positively contribute to global efforts addressing critical trends impacting various industries.” He emphasized the importance of Abu Dhabi’s relationship with China, noting the significant growth in bilateral trade and mutual investments.

To further enhance interactions between investors and decision-makers, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai on February 18 and 20, 2025. This event, themed “Investing with Abu Dhabi,” aims to provide Chinese investors with a comprehensive understanding of the burgeoning opportunities within the emirate, a region recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the MENA area.

The ADIF agenda includes keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and bilateral meetings that cover a wide array of sectors within the Abu Dhabi economy. Industry experts from prominent institutions such as ADNOC and Gulf Capital will provide insights into the emirate's investment landscape, spotlighting opportunities across sectors including technology, healthcare, and finance.

Furthermore, to deepen economic ties, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) will collaborate with the ADGM and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to launch the “Business Connect - Abu Dhabi-Shanghai” event on February 19, 2025. This initiative seeks to strengthen economic relations between the business communities of Abu Dhabi and China, providing a platform for networking and partnership building.

As Abu Dhabi continues to develop its favorable regulatory environment and world-class investment landscape, ADIF and