Dubai is setting its sights on Chinese artificial intelligence companies and advanced manufacturers as it prepares for its next phase of economic growth. The emirate wants to move beyond traditional trade and attract businesses developing intelligent machines, industrial automation and emerging technologies.
The strategy gained attention during the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, where investors, business leaders and government representatives explored opportunities for closer economic cooperation.
China is already one of Dubai’s largest trading partners. Non-oil trade between the two markets reached approximately AED 363.5 billion ($99 billion) in 2025. Dubai now wants to build on that relationship by attracting more Chinese companies to establish operations, invest in technology and develop manufacturing capabilities in the emirate.
Dubai-China Trade Relationship Creates New Opportunities for AI Investment
Dubai’s economic relationship with China has developed over decades, supported by international trade, logistics and investment. Chinese companies use the emirate as a commercial gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
The focus is now expanding toward technology-intensive industries. Dubai wants to attract Chinese businesses working in artificial intelligence, robotics, industrial automation and advanced manufacturing. These sectors could support the emirate’s efforts to diversify its economy and develop new sources of growth.
Chinese investors already have a substantial presence in Dubai. Over the past decade, the emirate attracted more than 300 Chinese foreign direct investment projects, representing over AED 24.6 billion ($6.7 billion) in capital.
That established investment relationship could help Chinese technology companies expand their regional operations while giving Dubai access to additional industrial expertise and innovation.
Artificial Intelligence and Smart Manufacturing Become Investment Priorities
Artificial intelligence is emerging as an important area of cooperation between Dubai and Chinese technology companies. The emirate is particularly interested in technologies that can improve industrial productivity, automate operations and support the development of intelligent infrastructure.
Smart manufacturing is one of the clearest opportunities. AI-powered systems can help factories monitor production, detect equipment problems and improve operational efficiency. Robotics and automation could also support industries looking to increase output while reducing repetitive manual processes.
Dubai is also exploring opportunities in autonomous mobility, digital finance and other emerging technologies. These sectors align with its ambition to attract high-value investment and strengthen its position as a regional technology hub.
For Chinese manufacturers, establishing operations in Dubai could provide access to new customers and regional partnerships. For the emirate, the potential benefits extend beyond investment capital to include technical expertise, industrial development and skilled employment.
Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen Strengthens Chinese Investment Ties
The Dubai Business Forum – China brought together hundreds of Chinese investors and business executives to discuss commercial opportunities in the emirate. Organised by Dubai Chambers, the event highlighted Dubai’s plans to strengthen economic cooperation with China.
The forum attracted 854 Chinese investors and business leaders, alongside a 112-member delegation from Dubai’s public and private sectors. Discussions covered artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, logistics, smart mobility and digital technologies.
Business leaders also examined how Dubai could support Chinese companies seeking international expansion. Its transport infrastructure, free zones and commercial networks provide established routes into markets across the Gulf and wider region.
The event reflected Dubai’s interest in developing more substantial business relationships with Chinese companies. Rather than relying primarily on imports and exports, the emirate is encouraging investment in operations that could contribute directly to its economy.
Chinese Robotics Companies Explore Manufacturing Opportunities in the UAE
Chinese robotics manufacturers are also examining opportunities in the UAE as demand grows for automated industrial systems. The country’s investment in advanced technology has created potential markets for companies developing intelligent robots, automated equipment and AI-powered machinery.
Chinese robotics company LinkerBot has explored potential partnerships involving robotic systems and manufacturing operations in the UAE. Such arrangements could combine Chinese technological expertise with local investment and industrial infrastructure.
These opportunities come as physical AI attracts increasing attention. Unlike software-based AI applications, physical AI enables machines and robotic systems to interact with their surroundings and perform tasks in real-world environments.
China has established a strong position in industrial robotics, supported by its manufacturing sector and growing automation capabilities. Partnerships with Chinese companies could help UAE businesses introduce more advanced systems into local industrial operations.
UAE Expands Industrial Cooperation With Chinese Technology Companies
Dubai’s investment ambitions also reflect the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen industrial cooperation with China. The country is pursuing partnerships in manufacturing, robotics, automation and advanced technologies as part of its economic diversification strategy.
A UAE delegation participated in the China International Industry Fair 2026 in Shanghai, bringing together government representatives and industrial organisations to explore opportunities for collaboration.
The discussions focused on smart manufacturing, technology transfer and industrial development. These areas are closely connected to the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, which aims to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031.
Chinese expertise in automation and industrial technology could support that objective. The UAE is seeking to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while attracting international companies that can contribute to long-term industrial growth.
Dubai’s Chinese Business Community Supports Technology Expansion
Dubai already hosts a growing community of Chinese companies operating across multiple industries. This established business presence could help attract additional investment in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre reported a 9.4% increase in its Chinese business community over a 12-month period, bringing the total to more than 1,000 companies.
Many of these businesses operate in technology, machinery, engineering and energy-related industries. Their presence provides an existing commercial network for Chinese investors considering further expansion into the UAE.
Dubai’s business districts and free zones also offer infrastructure and services for international companies establishing regional operations. As interest in AI and industrial technology grows, these networks could become increasingly important in supporting new partnerships.
Dubai’s Chinese AI Investment Strategy Could Reshape Regional Manufacturing
Dubai’s push to attract Chinese AI and manufacturing investment reflects a broader change in its economic ambitions. The emirate is seeking to become a location where international technology companies establish operations, develop products and serve regional markets.
Advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence could play an important role in that transition. New investments may support industrial automation, intelligent logistics and technology-driven businesses across the UAE.
However, investment announcements alone will not determine the strategy’s success. Companies will need to assess operating costs, market demand, regulatory requirements and the availability of skilled workers before committing to major projects.
Dubai’s advantage lies in its existing commercial relationship with China and its position as an international business hub. Those strengths could help attract companies looking to expand beyond their domestic markets.
The direction is becoming clearer. Dubai wants Chinese technology businesses to do more than sell products through the emirate. It wants them to invest, manufacture and participate in the development of its next generation of industries.
Sources
- Arabian Business – Dubai Puts Chinese Manufacturing and AI Investment at Centre of Next Growth Push
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – Dubai Business Forum – China Concludes in Shenzhen
- The National – Chinese Companies Seek Gulf Partnerships as Physical AI Takes Shape
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – UAE Explores Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships at China Industry Fair 2026
- Dubai Chambers – Dubai Business Forum – China to Strengthen Trade and Investment
