RIYADH: Non‑oil trade between Dubai and China reached 2.1 trillion Emirati dirhams (US$ 571.8 billion) from 2016 to 2025, according to the chairman of the emirate’s commerce body.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency at the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, Sultan bin Saeed Al‑Mansoori said bilateral non‑oil trade grew 23 percent in 2025.
Dubai’s exports to the Asian country rose 25 percent while imports climbed 22.6 percent.
Chinese businesses are also expanding their presence in the emirate, and by the end of September, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce had 6,650 active Chinese companies—with trade and services forming the largest share of activity.
<blockquote>"More than 3,830 Chinese companies operate in these two sectors, equating to roughly 58 percent of the chamber’s total Chinese member companies.</quot>
Al‑Mansoori, chair of the Dubai Chambers, noted that investment flows were particularly strong.
“Chinese investment in Dubai hit 3.4 billion dirhams in 2025, up 179 percent from the prior year.”
“The number of foreign direct investment projects from the country rose to 91 in 2025, compared with just 11 in 2021.”
Automotive manufacturing, telecommunications, metals, automotive components and industrial equipment attract the biggest slices of Chinese capital, Al‑Mansoori explained.
“Dubai firms also invested heavily in China, pouring approximately US$ 9.8 billion into the nation between 2004 and 2025, per fDi Intelligence data cited by Al‑Mansoori.”
At the same event, Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corp., highlighted opportunities for Chinese investors in manufacturing, technology, logistics, hospitality, finance and family offices (WAM reporting).
Badri added that Dubai’s FDI pipeline has tripled over four years, with M&A accounting for about one‑third of incoming projects.
“Transport spending surged 20 percent in 2025, with another 30 percent projected for 2026, driven by roads, the metro and a new international airport.”
Wider Trade Ties
Separate figures from the Dubai Multi Commodities Center show the UAE‑China non‑oil trade volume surpassing $111.5 billion in 2025, up 24.5 percent YoY.
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