Dubai Business Forum makes Shenzhen debut

Video by Lin Jianping

Dubai Chambers led its largest economic delegation to China for the Dubai Business Forum – China that opened in Shenzhen today, bringing Dubai’s pitch for deeper commercial ties with the Chinese technology hub, with artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, and advanced manufacturing topping the agenda.

The forum saw the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering trade and investment promotion, technological innovation and industrial collaboration.

Members of the Dubai economic delegation pose for a group photo at the Dubai Business Forum —

China in Shenzhen today. Photos courtesy of Dubai Chambers

The Shenzhen event is the forum's second in China, following its Beijing debut in August 2024, and its fifth international edition, after London, Hamburg and New York.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said Shenzhen was a major factor in the decision to host the event in the city.

“Shenzhen was one of the main reasons why we decided to have it here, because of our Agentic AI focus,” Lootah told Shenzhen Daily.

Dubai unveiled its Agentic AI project several months ago to drive the adoption of the technology across the private sector.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, chairman of Dubai Chambers, addresses the Dubai Business Forum — China in Shenzhen today.

AI opportunities for Chinese firms

Lootah said the initiative would open up new markets for AI companies in Shenzhen and across China.

“The Agentic AI project will create an opportunity for AI companies, especially the ones that specialize in providing services and agentic AI in Shenzhen, even all across China, to provide their services and technologies to both solve problems and challenges by increasing productivity and improving customer service and unlocking growth opportunities,” he said.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah (L), president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, takes part in a one-on-one discussion at the Dubai Business Forum — China in Shenzhen today.

Advanced manufacturing in focus

Lootah also highlighted advanced manufacturing as a key area of cooperation, noting the rapid progress made by Shenzhen companies in the sector.

“Dubai’s D33 agenda puts a lot of focus on advanced manufacturing,” he said, referring to the Dubai Economic Agenda.

“And we believe by combining the advanced manufacturing robotics with AI, this will definitely give a competitive edge to companies coming from China to Dubai, using Dubai as a launchpad for them and the wider region.”

Trade ties deepening

Business leaders and investors discuss opportunities for Chinese technology companies in Dubai during a panel session titled “Smart Capital: China Tech Meets the Dubai Platform” at the Dubai Business Forum — China in Shenzhen today.

China is Dubai’s largest trading partner. Non-oil trade between Dubai and China grew from US$45.3 billion in 2016 to about US$99 billion in 2025, a 118.4% increase over the decade, according to Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, chairman of the Dubai Chambers.

Momentum has accelerated since the previous Dubai Business Forum – China was held in Beijing in 2024. Non-oil trade between the two sides rose nearly 23% from 2024 to 2025, while Chinese foreign direct investment in Dubai nearly tripled, from about US$335 million to more than US$935 million, statistics showed.

Dubai Chambers said the forum aims to connect Chinese companies, investors and business leaders with Dubai’s business ecosystem, positioning the emirate as a base for regional and international expansion.

The agenda includes discussions on AI, smart capital, fintech, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and electric vehicle expansion.

Participating companies included representatives from Baidu, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud, DP World China, Emirates SkyCargo, China International Capital Corporation Ltd., BYD and Yalla Group.