Chinese companies deepen Middle East footprint
Invest Qatar and QNB host China-Qatar investment dialogue in Beijing
According to a June 12 update, Invest Qatar and QNB Group jointly hosted a high-level investor dialogue in Beijing, highlighting the strength of China-Qatar economic ties and Qatar’s position as a stable and competitive investment destination.
The event brought together representatives from Chinese companies and financial institutions, including CICC, Moore Threads, Pop Mart, and Sinopec. Discussions focused on industrial and financial cooperation amid shifts in the global economy, as well as the development of long-term partnerships.
QFZ signs memorandum for advanced manufacturing project
According to a June 12 update, the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Jiangsu Luyi Investment and Zhejiang Zhenshen Thermal Insulation Technology.
The parties plan to establish an advanced insulation materials production facility at Luyi Industrial Park in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone. Zhejiang Zhenshen, one of the world’s largest producers of foam glass insulation materials, will use the project as its first overseas manufacturing base.
The facility is expected to help position Qatar as a regional operating hub serving markets across the Middle East and Africa.
Abu Dhabi-Shanghai business event promotes cross-border cooperation
The Abu Dhabi-Shanghai Business Matchmaking Conference was held in Shanghai on June 12.
The event was jointly organized by the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the China Chamber of Commerce in the UAE, and Bank of China. More than 100 companies from Shanghai and Abu Dhabi participated.
Discussions covered pharmaceuticals, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, financial services, and cross-border logistics. The event followed a cooperation agreement signed by the two chambers of commerce last year and aimed to further strengthen regular business exchanges between Shanghai and Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Investment Forum highlights China-UAE cooperation
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Investment Forum was held in Shanghai on June 11, jointly organized by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Global Market.
The forum focused on two-way investment between China and Abu Dhabi, as well as smart mobility, advanced manufacturing, and immersive entertainment. Participating companies shared updates on investments and technology partnerships in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the emirate’s strategic value in their global expansion plans.
During the event, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board signed an MoU to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism covering investment promotion and project matchmaking.
Keeta launches UAE program to support restaurant SMEs
According to a June 10 update, Meituan’s food delivery platform Keeta launched the UAE edition of its ABAAD program in partnership with the Khalifa Fund.
The initiative aims to help local small and medium restaurant businesses improve their digital operations and capture opportunities in the digital economy.
Participating businesses will receive operational and digital training, access to platform data tools, performance optimization guidance, and merchant certification opportunities. Selected merchants will also have opportunities to visit and learn from businesses within Meituan’s ecosystem.
Economic and policy developments
Kezad invests USD 31 million in SME innovation hub
Kezad Group has announced an investment of AED 112 million (USD 30.5 million) to develop an innovation hub for small and medium enterprises, according to AGBI.
Located in Kezad A, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and will provide 175 flexible micro-industrial units. The facility is designed to help businesses scale from startup operations to commercial production.
DMCC plans foundation structure for wealth management services
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) plans to introduce a foundation structure within its free zone as part of an expansion into wealth management and structured asset services, Zawya reported.
The framework is in the final stages of regulatory review and is intended to provide investors, family offices, and private wealth holders with flexible international structures for succession planning, long-term asset ownership, wealth preservation, and governance arrangements.
DIEZ reports record trade volume in 2025
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported a total trade volume of AED 491 billion (USD 133.7 billion) in 2025, up 46% year-on-year and the highest level on record, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The figure marks the fifth consecutive year of growth and is about four times the 2020 level. DIEZ’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade rose to 16%, helping the emirate’s total external trade surpass AED 3 trillion (USD 816.9 billion).
China remained the authority’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28.7% of total trade, followed by Saudi Arabia and India.
UAE central bank partners with World Bank on financial inclusion
The UAE Central Bank has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Bank Group to advance financial inclusion, financial literacy, and consumer protection, according to Fintech News.
Areas of cooperation include digital fraud prevention principles and improvements to dispute resolution mechanisms across the banking and insurance sectors.
The two parties will also co-host the second Regional Financial Health and Inclusion Summit in Abu Dhabi in September 2026. The UAE Central Bank said the cooperation also aims to support a national financial literacy strategy and help individuals and businesses build more sustainable financial systems.
China becomes Saudi Arabia’s largest vehicle supplier
China was Saudi Arabia’s largest source of imported vehicles between 2024–2025, according to data cited by Saudi Gazette.
Saudi Arabia imported approximately 1.9 million vehicles over the two-year period. Japan, India, Thailand, and South Korea ranked among the other leading supplier countries, while the market share of US brands declined.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s major automotive markets and continues to pursue localization of its automotive sector and supply chain.
Saudi bond issuance rises 22% in first quarter
Saudi Arabia completed bond issuances totaling SAR 16.13 billion (USD 4.3 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, up 22% year-on-year, according to data from the Capital Market Authority cited by Arab News.
Private placements accounted for the majority of issuance activity, with 55 issuances valued at SAR 15.63 billion (USD 4.2 billion).
The figures indicate continued growth in Saudi Arabia’s debt market as the kingdom works to deepen capital markets, diversify financing channels, and encourage institutional investor participation.
Saudi economy grows 3% in first quarter
Saudi Arabia’s real GDP grew 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics cited by Arab News.
Oil activities, non-oil activities, and government activities all recorded growth during the period. Non-oil sectors remained the primary driver of expansion, supported by gains in financial services, manufacturing, logistics, investment, and consumer spending.
The figures reflect continued progress under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
Riyadh to host global security and technology summit
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior and Tuwaiq Academy will jointly host the Global Security and Technology Summit in Riyadh from December 18–20, according to Saudi Gazette.
The event will bring together representatives from government, industry, and academia to discuss cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart surveillance technologies, and crisis management.
The summit will also feature forums, knowledge sharing sessions, and technical workshops aimed at promoting international cooperation and innovation.
Qatar Chamber publishes latest business directory
Qatar Chamber has released the 2025–2026 edition of its business directory, according to The Peninsula.
The publication is designed to serve as a comprehensive database of companies and institutions affiliated with the chamber, providing investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders with convenient access to business information.
Qatar Chamber said the directory serves as a trusted economic reference tool and supports business connectivity across sectors.
Project Qatar 2026 opens with 145 exhibitors
The 22nd edition of Project Qatar opened in Doha with participation from 145 companies, according to The Peninsula.
The exhibition includes 120 local companies and 25 international firms. Organizers said strong international participation reflects confidence in the outlook for Qatar’s construction sector.
The event provides a platform for contractors, developers, suppliers, and investors while showcasing developments in smart buildings, digital management systems, and advanced industrial technologies.
Qatar Chamber and Aqarat discuss real estate cooperation
Qatar Chamber and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, known as Aqarat, recently held talks on strengthening cooperation and supporting the development of Qatar’s real estate sector, according to The Peninsula.
Discussions focused on improving the investment environment, enhancing industry governance, and creating a more attractive and resilient business ecosystem.
The meeting also addressed challenges faced by developers, investors, and businesses operating in the sector.
Qatar residential sales reach QAR 6.2 billion in Q1
Qatar’s residential market showed signs of moderation in the first quarter of 2026 but remained resilient, according to a report by Knight Frank cited by The Peninsula.
Residential transaction volume reached 1,582 deals, up 15% year-on-year, while total residential sales value reached QAR 6.2 billion (USD 1.7 billion) down 15% from the previous quarter.
Loan volume surged 85% to QAR 17.2 billion (USD 4.7 billion), indicating continued demand for financing high-value 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, SAR figures are converted to USD at rates of AED 3.67 = USD 1 and QAR 3.64 = USD 1 and SAR 3.75 = USD 1 based on estimates as of June 16, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are presented for ease of reference and may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.