Abu Dhabi is intensifying efforts to boost investments with China, anticipating that bilateral trade will reach $200 billion by 2030. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading an economic delegation to China as part of this initiative, aiming to strengthen the emirate’s role as a global hub for talent, businesses, and investments.

The emirate is already home to many of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, particularly in vital sectors such as technology, financial services, and energy. The delegation, which includes 140 senior officials and executives from both the government and private sectors, aims to explore business opportunities and enhance strategic relationships with Chinese counterparts during their visit to key cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, is leading the delegation, which will conduct over 20 bilateral meetings with senior Chinese government officials, including Chen Jining, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, and Yin Yong, the mayor of Beijing. These meetings are designed to foster cooperation and attract talent and investments to Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s dedication to forming strong alliances with top economies, according to Al Zaabi. He pointed out that rising bilateral commerce and investments have reinforced the emirate’s long-standing ties with China. “As a growing economic powerhouse, Abu Dhabi keeps forming and fortifying alliances with top business partners and economies,” he said, according to Economy Middle East.

To facilitate direct engagements between investors and decision-makers, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai from February 18 to 20, 2025. This forum aims to provide Chinese investors with a platform to explore opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the MENA region.

ADIF will feature a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses and panel discussions involving experts from various sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. Executives from institutions like ADNOC and Mubadala will provide insights into investment opportunities in technology, financial services, healthcare, and trade.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) will collaborate with ADGM, ADIO, and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to organize “Business Connect – Abu Dhabi-Shanghai” on February 19, 2025. This event aims to enhance economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China, offering Chinese business leaders insights into new opportunities and strategic partnerships in the UAE capital.