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The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre recorded a 16 per cent rise in Chinese companies last year pushing the total past 1,000 firms with more than 135 operating in technology sectors DMCC data shows. The growth marks five consecutive years of double-digit increases in Chinese registrations including rates of 19 per cent in 2022 21 per cent in 2023 and 17 per cent in 2024 according to the free zone authority. Chinese business leaders described Dubai as a key hub for growth and expansion of the Chinese business community while a roadshow attended by more than 750 of them focused on artificial intelligence blockchain and tokenised assets the DMCC reported.
The event underscored the broadening bilateral relations beyond trade into co-investment and innovation according to the authority. DMCC contributes around 7 per cent of Dubai’s GDP and accounts for 15 per cent of the emirate’s annual foreign direct investment inflows the body stated in its assessment. These developments align with projections that UAE-China bilateral trade could reach $200 billion by 2030 multiple economic assessments show.
Chinese companies no longer view Dubai solely as a transit hub but as a target market for settling operations a Yicai Global report found on September 16. Tao Xiao managing partner at NH Management told the publication that trade import export logistics and general commercial activities remain a major part of Chinese corporate investment in Dubai. The shift reflects the city’s ability to radiate into surrounding regions including the Gulf Africa and South Asia Tao Xiao added.
A survey carried out by NH Management among its clients found that 40 per cent of respondents chose Dubai primarily to reach customers across the UAE and the Gulf region. Around 30 per cent aimed to use Dubai as a hub to expand into Africa South Asia and other emerging markets the advisory firm’s poll indicated. Only about 10 per cent see Dubai as a gateway into Europe while the remaining 20 per cent prioritize the city’s local tax efficiency and flexibility of capital flows according to the survey breakdown.
In the Jebel Ali Free Zone the number of Chinese companies reached 507 as of November 2025 nearly double the count from 2021 DP World data places the total. Companies such as JD.com have built five logistics centers in the zone and acquired additional facilities covering 110,000 square metres the South China Morning Post reported. CNBM Emirates part of China National Building Material Group has operated in the zone since 2010 expanding its role in regional construction materials supply according to industry filings.
Dubai Chambers explored cooperation with 18 Chinese government chambers and association entities during a roadshow in Shenzhen and Guangzhou earlier this year the chambers announced. Discussions outlined support available to Chinese companies and investors seeking to establish and grow in Dubai according to the delegation’s summary. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah president and CEO of Dubai Chambers said in a statement that the body remains committed to fostering high-impact partnerships between companies and investors in both markets.
