Chinese companies expand in the Middle East
Alibaba Cloud signs Dubai agreement to support AI agents
Alibaba Cloud and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy have signed a memorandum of understanding to help Dubai’s private businesses adopt artificial intelligence agents, software that can carry out tasks on users’ behalf. The agreement was signed at the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, GCC Business News reported.
The partners will provide technical training, professional certifications, and practical courses through Dubai Chambers Academy. They will also offer startups technical guidance, cloud computing resources, and software licenses, while supporting enterprise pilot projects and wider deployment. Proven solutions will be promoted through Alibaba Cloud’s marketplace.
Huawei and Axora partner on construction technology in Qatar
Huawei’s Qatar business and Axora Technologies & Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the adoption of digital technology in Qatar’s architecture, engineering, and construction sector, Gulf Times reported.
The companies will focus on smart construction, digital twins, and intelligent facilities management. They plan to combine Huawei’s information and communications technology with Axora’s internet of things, AI, and engineering expertise to improve project safety, energy efficiency, and cost management.
Tencent Cloud partners with OmniOps on enterprise AI in Saudi Arabia
Tencent Cloud and Saudi AI infrastructure company OmniOps have announced a partnership to support enterprise AI deployment in Saudi Arabia.
The companies will support enterprise AI platforms and the computing workloads required to run large models. Tencent Cloud will provide computing infrastructure, virtual machines, storage, networking, and technical support. OmniOps will contribute its proprietary AI inference optimization engine, local deployment capabilities, and market expertise.
FAW Jiefang and Al-Futtaim plan cooperation covering 3,000 commercial vehicles
FAW Jiefang and the UAE’s Al-Futtaim Group have signed a framework agreement in Dubai covering cooperation on 3,000 commercial vehicles for West Asia in 2027, Jiemian News reported.
Using the UAE as a base, the companies will focus on port logistics, construction, and long-haul transportation, introducing products, developing customer relationships, and building sales and service networks. FAW Jiefang will contribute its R&D, technology, and supply chain capabilities, while Al-Futtaim will provide local distribution channels and operating expertise.
Economic and policy developments
Dubai Chambers signs trade agreement with Jiangsu counterpart
Dubai Chambers and the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade and investment ties between Dubai and Jiangsu, GCC Business News reported.
The long-term cooperation framework will help Jiangsu companies, particularly those in Yancheng, enter Dubai while supporting Dubai businesses expanding into Jiangsu. Planned activities include business delegations, market entry assistance, business matchmaking, and joint trade events to connect companies with potential partners and commercial opportunities.
DEWA and Shanghai Electric explore overseas energy and water investments
DEWA International, the international arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, has signed an agreement with Shanghai Electric to explore energy, water, and infrastructure investments worldwide, The National reported.
The companies will assess, select, and develop projects, as well as participate in international tenders. Areas of cooperation include solar and wind power, energy storage, desalination, green hydrogen, conventional power generation, and electricity transmission and distribution. DEWA established its international business in June to apply its utility development experience in overseas markets.
DP World plans weekly shipping service between China and Africa
DP World has announced China Africa Link, a weekly shipping service scheduled to begin in late November, Emirates News Agency reported. It will connect China with markets in East and Southern Africa.
The route will call at Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Malaysia’s Port Klang, Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam, Mozambique’s Maputo, and Singapore before returning to Shanghai. Cargo will include machinery, electronics, construction materials, and automotive components from China, alongside agricultural products and minerals from Africa.
DIFC passes 600 wealth and asset management firms
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) announced during the inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week that it now hosts more than 600 wealth and asset management firms, reflecting the expansion of its private wealth and alternative investment businesses, Emirates News Agency reported.
DIFC also announced Islamic finance initiatives, including plans for an Islamic Finance Innovation Centre. The center will bring together banks, regulators, and financial technology companies to develop financing, sukuk (Islamic bonds), and compliance technology solutions.
Dubai Future Foundation and DP World develop autonomous logistics
Dubai Future Foundation has announced a partnership with DP World to develop autonomous logistics technology, according to Emirates News Agency. DP World is the first strategic partner of Shifft, an autonomous logistics venture established by the foundation and autonomous driving technology company Oxa.
Work will begin at Jebel Ali Port, covering autonomous driving, fleet management, traffic routing, digital twins, and safety monitoring. The technology could eventually be deployed across DP World’s network of more than 60 ports and terminals.
Saudi Arabia attracts more than 1,200 foreign companies in October
Saudi Arabia attracted more than 1,200 foreign companies in October, Saudi Week reported, citing Sultan Al-Musallam, secretary general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers. He also said more than 50 companies were being registered daily.
Manufacturing was the preferred sector among foreign investors, followed by construction, supported by major projects and infrastructure development. Investment is expanding beyond Riyadh into industrial cities such as Al-Kharj and Sudair.
Al-Musallam said non-oil activities accounted for a record 57% of GDP and grew 1.9%, although the report did not specify the period or comparison basis for the growth figure.
Aramco acquires 49% of Humain
Aramco and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have completed a transaction giving Aramco a 49% stake in AI company Humain through a wholly owned subsidiary, according to Finance Middle East. PIF retains a controlling 51% stake.
Aramco will contribute approximately SAR 9.9 billion (USD 2.6 billion) in cash to Humain in 2026, alongside AI, computing, and digital assets.
Invest Qatar appoints eastern China representative
Invest Qatar has appointed Wang Yizhou as its investment manager for eastern China, based in Shanghai, according to an announcement by the investment promotion agency.
Wang will focus on building relationships with businesses in the Yangtze River Delta and identifying investment opportunities between China and Qatar. He will connect Chinese companies at different stages of development with Qatar’s investment institutions, business opportunities, and other resources as the agency expands its work in China.
Invest Qatar and Commercial Bank partner to support foreign investors
Invest Qatar and Commercial Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding to help foreign companies enter Qatar and expand locally, according to Gulf Times.
Invest Qatar will connect the bank with prospective international investors and businesses. Commercial Bank will provide tailored banking products, dedicated customer support, and financial services for employees relocating to Qatar, addressing companies’ financing and operational needs during establishment and expansion.
Qatar launches National Product Week to support local manufacturing
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched National Product Week to encourage purchases of locally manufactured goods, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and improve the self-sufficiency of domestic supply chains.
The initiative includes dedicated displays of Qatari products at retailers such as Lulu, Monoprix, and Al Meera, with plans to expand to Carrefour and other supermarkets. It also includes factory visits and industry workshops. The government will examine obstacles facing industrial businesses and potential trade remedies to help domestic companies gain market share and reduce reliance on imports.
Qatar develops national AI center
Qatar is establishing a national center to coordinate its AI strategy, technology adoption, and regulation as part of its digital economy development, The Peninsula reported.
The center will have three main responsibilities: developing the national AI strategy and a framework for safe AI use and regulation; building AI platforms and applications while providing government agencies with technical support; and connecting government, businesses, and universities to support innovation and investment.
S&P affirms Qatar’s AA rating with stable outlook
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Qatar’s long-term sovereign credit rating at AA and its short-term rating at A-1+, with a stable outlook, The Peninsula reported. The agency cited substantial fiscal reserves, relatively low public debt, and flexible fiscal policy as buffers against disruptions to energy production and trade caused by regional conflict.
Government liquid assets are estimated at 200% of GDP, while central bank foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 60.6 billion at the end of August. S&P expects economic growth to rebound to 15% in 2027, followed by average annual growth of about 8% in 2028–2029.
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: SAR figures are converted to USD at rates of SAR 3.75 = USD 1 based on estimates as of November 10, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are approximate and, where appropriate, rounded for ease of reference. They may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.