Bilateral trade to accelerate US$ 101.8 bn to US$ 200bn by 2030
UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum that started on 5 December 2025 in Shanghai, is expected to help double the UAE-China bilateral trade, driven by technology, innovation, Start-ups, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Machine Learning.
More than 60 Chinese startups working in advanced technology sectors participated at the UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum alongside a distinguished group of leaders and experts from both countries.
The Forum conducts high-level discussions on the future of innovation and industry, and joint opportunities in artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the growing momentum of technological cooperation between the UAE and China.
The event is spearheaded by Emirates Entrepreneurs Association and Vertix Holdings and supported by the UAE Consulate General in Shanghai, China, as well as various Chinese entrepreneurship and start-up bodies.
Belt & Road Initiative
Bilateral trade between the UAE and China grew from US$ 80bn in 2023 to US$ 101.8bn in 2024, supported by strong investment, visa-free access, and Belt and Road Initiative links. This is projected to grow substantially driven by non-oil sectors like technology, innovation, AI, Robotics, Start-ups, renewable energy, and growing Chinese demand for UAE energy and petrochemicals.
A number of agreements have been signed at the UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum by Abu Dhabi-based diversified business conglomerate Vertix Holdings, Emirates Entrepreneurs Association (EEA), China Future Technology Fund (FTF), and the Innovation and Integration under the China Association of Technology Entrepreneurs (CATE).
These agreements will not only solidify the strong bilateral relations between the two countries but will help boost the cross-border entrepreneurship start-up funding and collaboration that will boost two-way investment as well.
The signing ceremony was attended by HE Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General of the UAE in Shanghai, along with Amer Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Empowerment and Development Committee at the Emirates Entrepreneurs Association and Chairman of Vertix Holdings, and Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the Board of Vertix Holdings, in addition to several senior Chinese officials involved in innovation and entrepreneurship.
New Era
“Today’s agreements and our support to UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum will usher in a new era in UAE-China entrepreneurship and Start-up eco-system and boost cross-border funding and investment,” stated Amer Al Ahbabi,
“We look with great optimism toward future cooperation opportunities, and we firmly believe that such initiatives serve as an essential pillar for strengthening economic partnerships, exchanging expertise, and supporting the progress of innovation and entrepreneurship between the UAE and China,” remarked Al Dhaheri.
Vertix Holdings affirmed that this forum represents a qualitative leap in the UAE–China cooperation track, marking a crucial step toward building a sustainable cooperation ecosystem that contributes to driving economic growth and strengthening entrepreneurship.
