Central to the UAE’s global economic strategy is a commitment to building strategic international partnerships that generate long-term value across key sectors. One such relationship between the UAE and China has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s foreign trade policy.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and China surpassed $100 billion in 2024, marking a major milestone in their economic relationship. This development underscores the depth of their longstanding commercial ties and highlights a shared commitment to mutual prosperity.
A New Chapter
China continues to be the UAE’s leading global trading partner, with bilateral trade posting a 7% year-on-year increase in 2024 largely driven by an 18% rise in imports. This positive momentum has extended into 2025, with non-oil trade increasing by 18% in the first quarter alone. During this period, exports rose by 32.5%, re-exports by 20.2%, and imports by 12.7%, reflecting the expanding scale and diversified nature of trade between the two countries.
Strategic Engagement
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber engaged in a series of high-level meetings with prominent Chinese officials, including Lan Fo’an, Minister of Finance; Liu Jianchao, Head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China; and Zou Jiayi, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These discussions centred on strengthening the UAE–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, advancing industrial cooperation, and initiating new joint projects aligned with the long-term economic objectives of both nations.
These engagements reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to nurturing global partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth and technological advancement. The meetings also underscored shared interests in strengthening financial cooperation and industrial innovation across Asia and the Middle East.
Private Sector Collaboration Across Key Industries
Alongside official meetings with government representatives, Dr. Al Jaber also held discussions with senior executives from several leading Chinese corporations. These included China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), ZhenHua Oil, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), China Investment Corporation (CIC), Wanhua in the chemical sector, Envision specialising in renewables and smart energy, China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), and POWERCHINA International.
The meetings centred on exploring new investment prospects across sectors such as energy, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, and clean technologies. Emphasis was placed on fostering localisation and facilitating the transfer of technological expertise through joint ventures and industrial collaboration. Key areas of focus also included clean energy transition and infrastructure development both aligning closely with the UAE’s net-zero objectives and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
A Moment for Confidence
By leveraging international partnerships and encouraging robust public-private collaboration, UAE aims to enhance industrial capabilities, attract foreign direct investment, and build a globally competitive manufacturing sector.
At One Investments, we view economic developments of this scale as more than just shifts in policy, they redefine the environment in which investment decisions are made.
As a brokerage firm committed to long-term value and forward-thinking opportunities, we see the UAE’s move toward stronger global trade partnerships as a clear reflection of confidence, ambition, and strategic vision.
This renewed direction, shaped by diplomatic cooperation and long-term economic strategy, marks the beginning of a defining chapter in the UAE’s growth. One Investments remains focused on delivering investment opportunities that align with the nation’s evolving economic landscape.
