Delegates exchange contacts during tea break at the UAE-China Business Promotion Conference in Beijing on April 14, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China

"Anybody who understands economics will want to build relationship with China," a representative from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) told the Global Times at the UAE-China Business Promotion Conference in Beijing on Monday, which was held on the sidelines of the official visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

At the event, many business players from UAE told the Global Times that this trip to China is aimed at further strengthening ties between business partners amid a volatile global trade environment. 

Under the theme "From Vision to Value," the UAE-China Business Promotion Conference brought together ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from both countries to explore new avenues for collaboration, investment and innovation.

'No other alternative'

The Global Times noticed that many UAE business representatives started speeches with "Ni Hao," greeting the audience in Chinese. Many have WeChat accounts to stay in touch with Chinese partners.

Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways Stanislas Brun told the Global Times on Monday that while the current landscape of international trade is fraught with uncertainty, China stands out as a market characterized by "certainty and predictability." Logistics constitutes a vital component of international trade and is highly susceptible to geopolitical fluctuations. Thus, Etihad Airways seeks to strengthen its logistical ties with China to enhance this sense of "certainty."

Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, told the Global Times at the conference that it is very important to look at the policies both in China and the UAE and to ensure that companies' investment strategies align with the growth patterns of both countries. 

"This event symbolizes our commitment to China," said Bastaki.

During the conference, which was co-organized by the Embassy of the UAE in China and China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), the two countries signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), further bolstering bilateral economic, trade and investment relations, according to the Embassy of the UAE in China.

‏Aashna Shahdadpuri‏, Business Development Executive at TASC Outsourcing group, a UAE-based labor service company for multinationals, told the Global Times on Monday that China is strong in talent reserve, innovation capacity and high-education quality. 

Coming to China for the first time, she noticed that the young people in China are leading manyinvestments. "Many key decisions here, and it's inspiring to see the confidence that the government has given to the next generation in leading some of the new investments," she shared her observation with the Global Times. 

Mamoon Sbeih, chief international business development officer and Chairman of MENA in Apco, which is an advisory and advocacy communications consultancy firm, told the Global Times that China is one of the most important markets in the world, which is growing fast and remains stable. "It [China as a market] predicts clear stability, therefore, I see no other alternative to this amazing market," he said. 

"Anybody who understands economics will want to build relationship with China," Sbeih explained that due to the international situation, more and more companies are seeking the help of consulting firms, especially when planning to access a particular market. China is one of the world's most important markets, developing rapidly while maintaining stability. His trip to China was aimed at further strengthening ties between companies from both countries amid an unfavorable global trade environment.

Sbeih shared that he has been meeting clients in their offices in China, "I've met with many companies over the past few days and there's so much of opportunity. What we need to do is communicate and cooperate more. The trade partnership between the UAE and China will continue to develop," he said.

Abdulaziz Ahmed AlShehhi, deputy head of research sector of Trends Research & Advisory, an independent, non-profit think tank, shared his observations that China has already made great steps in its modernization. "Every year, when we come to China, we've seen new aspects of China, new technological advancement," he added. 

Delegates at a panel discussion during the UAE-China Business Promotion Conference in Beijing on April 14, 2026 Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China

Two-way exchanges

As UAE companies increasingly embrace the Chinese market, more Chinese companies are also venturing into the Middle East. Leveraging technological innovation, supply chain advantages, and localized services, they are establishing a comprehensive presence in the local market and gaining significant recognition.

There are approximately 17,000 trade licenses linked to Chinese nationals in the UAE. China is the third largest source of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the UAE, according to data provided by UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade during the conference. 

Michael Meng, president of Dreame Robotic Vacuums Unit, told the Global Times on Monday that the company began focusing on the UAE market in 2022, and now its robotic vacuum cleaners account for nearly 50 percent of the market in the UAE.

During the promotion conference, many "two-way exchanges" between Chinese and UAE companies took place. 

Hassan Halawy, group CEO of Elite Agro Holding, which is a leading UAE-based producer and distributor of fresh vegetables, fruits, and agricultural products, said in his remarks at a panel session that most of the greenhouses and sheds in the UAE are imported from China, and with technological advancements, the country wants to continue learning from Chinese companies in agricultural AI big data models.

During the panel discussion, Halawy met Chairman of Wuhan Plant Ark Intelligent Technology Co Fan Wei, who gave him a positive reply. Fan said that in earlier years, the company mainly served horticultural companies in North America and Europe, and based on this experience, developed large-scale AI models related to plant growth.

"Since last year [2025], the company has shifted its business focus to the Middle East," Fan said. 

In his opening remarks, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, underscored the significance of the Conference in strengthening bilateral cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for bilateral growth. 

The UAE and China share a longstanding economic partnership, built on decades of cooperation and a shared vision for prosperity. Non-oil trade between the two nations surpassed the $100 billion mark for the first time in 2025, according to Zeyoudi. 

"We will continue to work closely across key sectors to promote sustainable economic outcomes that serve the interests of both nations," the minister said.