Dubai Chambers is preparing to host the Dubai Business Forum China in Shenzhen on 14 October 2026, a move that puts the city's economic ambitions in the spotlight. Announced by Dubai Chambers and reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), the event runs under the theme "Momentum at Scale: Accelerating Shared Success" and marks the forum's second Chinese and fifth international edition. The goal is straightforward: open new trade routes, attract Chinese investment, and strengthen Dubai's position as a key link for technology and capital between Asia and the Middle East.
The forum aims to move past standard trade relationships and build a new phase of cross-border investment, digital innovation, and sector partnerships. The agenda includes speakers such as Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Ambassador to China Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, and executives from Emirates, DP World, Baidu, Tencent Cloud, and Huawei Cloud. Their participation signals that this is a working event focused on shaping Dubai's economic direction, not just a ceremonial gathering, as recent WAM reports have noted.
Strategic sectors and Dubai's pitch to China
Dubai is relying on its business environment and clear regulations to attract Chinese companies looking to expand abroad. The forum will highlight Dubai's strengths in advanced manufacturing, AI, logistics, digital platforms, and smart mobility-areas where Chinese firms are already growing quickly. According to Gulf News, Chinese companies in Dubai will see opportunities in advanced manufacturing, AI, electric vehicles, fintech, and logistics. The event includes sector-focused sessions and B2B meetings aimed at turning conversations into real deals, with an emphasis on long-term partnerships.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, has pointed out that Dubai's ambitions go beyond increasing trade volume. The relationship with China is shifting from established trade to a broader platform for investment and innovation. The forum's structure-bilateral meetings, sector tracks, and cross-border financing-reflects this move from transactional to strategic engagement, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
AI, digital infrastructure, and the D33 agenda
Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure will be central topics. Sessions will focus on how AI, fintech, and advanced manufacturing can deliver measurable business results. The event will also cover the regulatory, financial, and talent requirements needed to turn prototypes into products that can scale globally. Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda will serve as the backdrop, with the forum positioned as a driver for its goals in attracting investment and diversifying sectors. The Dubai Media Office has previously highlighted the importance of these areas for the city's future competitiveness.
Chinese electric vehicle makers, logistics companies, and digital platform leaders are expected to look at regional expansion strategies, using Dubai as a base. The forum will also discuss how clear regulation and practical policy can help turn innovation into market-ready products, a topic that has become more urgent as global competition increases. Separately, Dubai Chambers has launched a Tech Exchange Programme with Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited to encourage cooperation in innovation and technology, as reported by HSITP.
Looking ahead: what's at stake
This is the fifth international Dubai Business Forum and the second in China, following a Beijing event that brought together over 800 business leaders. Previous forums in London, Hamburg, and New York have already led to new investments and partnerships. Dubai's approach fits a wider trend, with more foreign capital flowing into the city's property and finance sectors, as recently reported.
For Dubai-based companies and investors, the Shenzhen forum is a direct chance to connect with Chinese industry leaders, access new technology, and explore cross-border financing. The real measure of success will be the deals signed, the depth of cooperation, and how quickly AI and digital solutions are put to use in Dubai. Dubai Chambers has already stepped up its international outreach, hosting a roundtable on global trade and investment with 26 senior representatives from investment institutions and global companies in early September, as confirmed by Dubai Chambers on X.
Dubai is putting its strengths on display in China, a move that comes with risks. If the forum leads to real results, it will reinforce Dubai's role as a business hub and a center for innovation. If not, the city could lose ground to other markets competing for Chinese investment and technology. The outcome will depend on whether Dubai can turn its ambitions into action.
