Chinese companies deepen Middle East footprint
DBF China to convene in Shenzhen
Dubai Chambers has announced that the next edition of Dubai Business Forum (DBF) China will be held in Shenzhen on October 14, under the theme “Momentum at Scale: Accelerating Shared Success.”
The forum will bring together senior public- and private-sector officials, business leaders, investors, and technology companies from Dubai and China. It will focus on trade, investment, innovation, and technology-driven growth, while promoting deeper cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, emerging technologies, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Dubai Chambers said the forum will help Chinese companies use Dubai as a platform to expand into global markets, while supporting the goals of D33, Dubai’s economic agenda.
Shenzhen was chosen as the host city because of its strengths in technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, and its core location in the Greater Bay Area. This year’s forum will be the fifth international edition of the series and the second to be held in China.
Hong Kong webinar to explore Qatar market opportunities
The HKTDC Transformation Sandbox, also known as T-box for short, will host an online seminar on May 19, focused on Qatar’s business environment, investment policies, and opportunities for Chinese companies expanding overseas.
The event will feature representatives from the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Bank of China’s QFC branch, and Nexx, a Hong Kong tech company that has established operations in Qatar.
Speakers will share market insights, financial support options, and practical experience to help companies interested in entering Qatar and the broader Middle East understand local growth opportunities.
Saudi Arabia’s VCM partners with Lenovo and ClimeCo
On May 13, Saudi Arabia’s Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company, or VCM for short, announced a partnership with Lenovo and climate solutions company ClimeCo to provide emissions management and carbon offsetting support for Lenovo’s expanding manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia.
Lenovo is building one of its largest global manufacturing bases in the country. The partnership will use carbon credits to address operational emissions and support the development of high-integrity local carbon projects. VCM will provide market infrastructure and advisory support, while ClimeCo will help Lenovo establish a transparent and credible carbon management framework.
Economic and policy developments
Abu Dhabi infrastructure summit focuses on future cities
The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) took place from May 12–14, bringing together government and construction industry leaders to discuss urban development amid population growth, climate pressures, and rapid digital technology development, according to AGBI.
Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, the summit was expected to attract more than 7,000 participants, over 100 speakers, and 90 exhibitors. Topics included governance coordination, data centers, net zero buildings, future mobility, and human-centered cities.
UAE skilled private-sector workforce grows 1.5%
The UAE’s private-sector skilled workforce grew 1.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, Gulf News reported.
The figure points to continued activity in the local labor market and the country’s appeal to global professionals. Demand for specialized skills remained strong across key sectors, supported by a flexible legislative framework, a stable economic environment, and accelerated development projects.
With diverse career opportunities, advanced infrastructure, and a high quality of life, the UAE has continued to attract highly skilled professionals.
Emaar Q1 revenue rises 23%
Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties delivered a strong start to 2026, with Q1 revenue rising 23% year-on-year. Real estate sales for the quarter reached about AED 22.4 billion (USD 6.1 billion), up 16% from a year earlier, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Growth was mainly driven by robust property development in the UAE, high occupancy rates at its shopping malls, and continued contributions from its international business. Founder Mohamed Alabbar said the results reflected the resilience of the UAE economy, adding that the company will continue to focus on delivering high-quality projects, improving operational efficiency, and pursuing diversified growth.
Saudi Arabia raises film production rebates
Saudi Arabia has raised its film and television production incentives, increasing production rebates for eligible projects to as much as 60%, while also simplifying the approval process to attract international film, television, and streaming projects to shoot in the country, Arab News reported.
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to diversify its economy and develop its cultural tourism and media industries. By expanding its film and television production ecosystem, Saudi Arabia aims to attract foreign investment, create specialized jobs, improve local technical capabilities, and build a regional content production hub.
Saudi Arabia’s PIF becomes 2026 FIFA World Cup supporter
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed an agreement with FIFA, becoming an official tournament supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Arab News reported.
The 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The partnership will give PIF exposure across tournament communications, venue branding, and official materials, while integrating it into FIFA’s commercial revenue system.
Riyad Capital launches real estate fund
Riyad Capital, Naif AlRajhi Investment Company, and Saudi royal family member Munira bint Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud have signed an agreement to establish the USD 400 million Dar Al Salam real estate fund, AGBI reported.
The fund will be used to develop a transit-oriented mixed-use project in Riyadh. The project will cover 32,000 square meters and sit about 250 meters from the metro station in Al-Takhassusi. It is planned around public transit and will include residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.
Qatar’s inward FDI rises 2% in 2025
According to The Peninsula, Qatar data showed that inward FDI (foreign direct investment) stock in Qatar rose to QAR 165.4 billion (USD 45.4 billion) in 2025, up 2% year-on-year. Outward FDI stock climbed to QAR 210 billion (USD 57.7 billion), up 8.1%, showing the continued expansion of Qatari companies overseas.
More than 90% of foreign investment inflows were concentrated in five sectors: mining, finance and insurance, manufacturing, professional and technical services, and information and communications. The figures reflect foreign investors’ confidence in Qatar’s economy and the impact of its diversification efforts.
Ooredoo launches digital and AI transformation program
Ooredoo has launched a digital and artificial intelligence transformation program in partnership with Microsoft, Gulf Times reported.
Building on existing cooperation, the program will help the company build a more agile and future-ready operating system. Its priorities include sovereign cloud and hybrid cloud capabilities, AI applications, and scalable digital infrastructure development. These efforts are intended to support advanced digital solutions, improve customer experience, and strengthen the company’s digital capabilities.
QFC and Commercial Bank of Qatar sign banking services agreement
QFC and the Commercial Bank of Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide more convenient banking services to licensed firms on QFC’s platform, Zawya reported.
Under the agreement, QFC will designate Commercial Bank as one of its strategic banking partners. Commercial Bank will offer tailored banking products for QFC firms and their employees, while also supporting immediate account opening for newly licensed companies. The two sides will also cooperate in fintech and digital assets.
This article was adapted based on a feature originally written and published by Al Shasia. KrASIA is authorized to translate, adapt, and publish its contents.
Note: AED, QAR figures are converted to USD at rates of AED 3.67 = USD 1 and QAR 3.64 = USD 1 based on estimates as of May 21, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are presented for ease of reference and may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.