Chinese companies expand in the Middle East
Aridge delivers first X3-F test aircraft for UAE regulatory sandbox
The ruler of Ras Al Khaimah led a delegation to Aridge’s flying car production plant, where he unveiled and accepted the first X3-F aircraft designated for the UAE’s low-altitude aviation regulatory sandbox. The aircraft is the flying unit of Aridge’s Land Aircraft Carrier.
The handover followed a cooperation agreement signed in September. The aircraft will undergo trials under the supervision of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. The partners will next work on product certification, routes between emirates, and the systems needed to operate the aircraft.
UBTech partners with Ras Al Khaimah on humanoid robot trials
Chinese humanoid robot maker UBTech Robotics has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Relations Office of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It plans to deploy humanoid robots in the emirate and send an engineering team to conduct field tests.
The first phase will assess the robots’ suitability for industrial automation, smart public services, eldercare, and tourism services.
China Energy International Group explores projects with DEWA International
DEWA International, a subsidiary of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, has signed a memorandum of understanding with China Energy International Group at this year’s Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX).
The companies will explore a potential role for China Energy International Group as an engineering, procurement, and construction partner for major energy, water, and infrastructure projects. DEWA International aims to draw on the Chinese company’s global project delivery experience to expand its portfolio.
Fangda joint venture wins RMB 2.05 billion Saudi stadium contract
A joint venture involving Fangda Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Shihui International Holdings, has secured a contract worth approximately RMB 2.05 billion (USD 307 million) to build the exterior facade of a stadium in Saudi Arabia.
Fangda’s stock exchange filing identifies the contractor as IKK Fangda JV, formed by Shihui and a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s IKK Group. The joint venture signed the contract with main contractor Uptown Stadium Construction for facade work at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium project in Qiddiya.
The contract expands Fangda’s presence in Saudi Arabia, where urban development and infrastructure investment are creating demand for building facades and related engineering services.
CSCEC units agree to collaborate on two Dubai projects
China Construction First Group and the Middle East arm of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) have signed cooperation agreements in the UAE to jointly deliver Dubai Holding’s headquarters and the Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers development.
The companies plan to combine engineering expertise from China with local project management resources. Their collaboration will cover construction planning, staff development, and project delivery in the Middle East’s high-end construction market.
Economic and policy developments
UAE delegation explores energy, e-mobility, and smart port cooperation in China
A government and business delegation led by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has completed a five-day visit to China to explore cooperation in advanced energy technology, energy storage, and electric mobility, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The delegation included Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and AD Ports Group. Discussions covered clean energy, hydrogen, advanced batteries, smart mobility, and technology transfer. Delegates also visited the automated terminal at Shanghai’s Yangshan Port.
Dubai Jewellery Group signs Guangdong cooperation agreement
Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gold Association of Guangdong Province at the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, according to the Emirates News Agency. The agreement aims to strengthen gold and jewelry industry ties between Dubai and mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
The partners plan to combine Guangdong’s manufacturing and processing capabilities with Dubai’s trade and logistics networks. Cooperation will cover raw material supplies, processing, distribution, and marketing to help businesses on both sides enter new markets.
Dubai Chambers signs agreements with Greater Bay Area business groups
Dubai Chambers has signed separate memorandums of understanding with the Greater Bay Area Importers and Exporters Association (GBAIEA) and the GBA Entrepreneurs Alliance during the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The agreements aim to establish regular communication, support exchanges of business information and expertise, and connect companies to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Dubai CommerCity and Hong Kong-Shenzhen park back overseas expansion
Dubai CommerCity has partnered with Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITPL) to help technology companies expand internationally, the Emirates News Agency reported.
Under the arrangement, Dubai businesses can use the park to access Hong Kong, mainland China, and other markets. Hong Kong technology companies can draw on Dubai CommerCity’s facilities and business networks to expand in the UAE and the wider Middle East. Support will include business establishment, office space, startup mentoring, investor introductions, and joint events.
Ras Al Khaimah opens first business consultancy in China
The ruler of Ras Al Khaimah has inaugurated the emirate’s first business consultancy in China, in Guangzhou, according to the Emirates News Agency. The office will connect Chinese businesses and investors with companies in the emirate and support cooperation in priority industries.
The location is intended to draw on Guangdong’s manufacturing and technology strengths to attract Chinese investment to Ras Al Khaimah and help businesses from the emirate enter China. Ras Al Khaimah representatives also met Guangdong officials to discuss expanding trade and industrial cooperation.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy signs partnerships to support agentic AI adoption
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed memorandums of understanding with AI training provider Nebius Academy and software development platform Lovable to support private-sector adoption of agentic AI, which can carry out tasks on users’ behalf, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The partnerships support a Dubai Chambers training program for 14,000 member companies of business groups and councils under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Training will help managers and technical teams use AI tools in daily operations. The partners will also support startups developing and deploying AI systems.
Six Saudi banks report 5.3% increase in third-quarter profit
Six listed Saudi banks have reported combined net profit of SAR 19.83 billion (USD 5.3 billion) for the third quarter of 2026, up 5.3% year-on-year, according to Arab News, citing the banks’ published financial results.
Higher financing and investment income supported earnings. The six banks’ outstanding loans increased 5.4% year-on-year, indicating continued borrowing growth. Their profits rose despite persistent regional uncertainty.
Saudi transport authority highlights maritime resilience
Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority said the maritime sector had remained resilient despite regional disruptions to global trade and shipping in 2026, Asharq Al-Awsat reported.
Speaking at the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress in Jeddah, the authority said coordination among sea, road, rail, and air transport networks had helped keep goods moving. Saudi fleet capacity increased 34% in 2025. Its current capacity is approximately 11.8 million tons, ranking first in the Middle East and 20th globally, according to the report.
IMF forecasts 7.9% Saudi growth in 2027
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting Saudi economic growth of 7.9% in 2027, potentially the fastest among G20 economies, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. The projection is 2.4 percentage points above its July forecast and reflects expectations of a recovery in energy markets and progress in economic diversification.
Analysts cited in the report said investment law reforms and improvements to the business environment were increasing the private sector’s contribution to growth, with tourism, industry, logistics, and technology expanding. They identified higher business productivity, greater non-oil exports, and less reliance on government projects for private investment as priorities for the next stage of diversification.
Invest Qatar hosts roundtable for Chinese businesses
Invest Qatar and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Qatar jointly hosted a roundtable for Chinese businesses operating in the country. Participants included representatives from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, China Harbour Engineering Company, China Railway Construction Corporation, Yutong Bus, Xiamen Airlines, Kingdee International, and Dahua Technology.
The discussion focused on companies’ operating experience, bilateral trade and investment, support after businesses are established, access to information, and ways to better meet their operational needs.
WIF returns to Doha after 14 years
The ninth World Investment Forum (WIF) opened in Doha on October 25 for a three-day program, returning to the city after 14 years, Doha News reported. Jointly organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Qatar, the event was expected to attract more than 5,000 participants.
The agenda covers artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, energy, critical minerals, and economic recovery, with a dedicated AI program for the first time. Discussions focus on directing capital toward countries and industries with greater development needs and strengthening Qatar’s role in international investment cooperation.
QFC and QNB seek to simplify banking access
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to simplify bank account opening and improve access to digital banking for QFC-licensed companies, The Peninsula reported.
The partners will explore allowing corporate account applications directly through QFC’s online platform. Cooperation will also cover corporate financing, treasury management, bond issuance, and digital assets. QNB will use its international banking network to support companies establishing operations in Qatar and expanding abroad.
Milipol Qatar records approximately QAR 820 million in deals
The 16th Milipol Qatar security exhibition concluded in Doha on October 22 after three days, attracting more than 16,000 visitors and over 270 local and international exhibitors, according to Qatar Tribune. Attendance increased 10% from the previous edition. The event generated a reported 96 deals worth approximately QAR 820 million (USD 225.3 million).
The accompanying Doha International Conference on AI and Security examined AI applications in public security, technology governance, data sovereignty, and trust.
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: QAR, RMB, SAR figures are converted to USD at rates of QAR 3.64 = USD 1 and RMB 6.68 = USD 1 and SAR 3.75 = USD 1 based on estimates as of October 26, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are approximate and, where appropriate, rounded for ease of reference. They may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.