China
UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum Sets Ambitious Goal to Boost Bilateral Trade to US$200 Billion by 2030: The UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum, launched in Shanghai, is poised to transform the entrepreneurship and innovation landscape between the two nations. With bilateral trade already reaching US$101.8 billion in 2024, leaders expect the economic exchange to nearly double to US$200 billion by 2030. Technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and advanced manufacturing are set to drive this remarkable surge.
Strategic Agreements Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation
To accelerate this growth, a series of landmark agreements were signed among prominent entities including Vertix Holdings, the Emirates Entrepreneurs Association (EEA), the China Future Technology Fund (FTF) and Innovation and Integration under the China Association of Technology Entrepreneurs (CATE). These agreements will significantly boost cross-border funding, technology transfer, and start-up investment.
Attending the signing ceremony were H.E. Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General of the UAE in Shanghai; Mr. Amer Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Empowerment and Development Committee at EEA and Chairman of Vertix Holdings; and Mr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of Vertix Holdings, alongside senior Chinese officials.
Powerful Economic Momentum
Trade between the UAE and China rose from US$80 billion in 2023 to US$101.8 billion in 2024, supported by strong investment, improved mobility, and Belt and Road collaborations. Looking ahead, business leaders expect non-oil sectors such as fintech, renewable energy, and AI-driven manufacturing to accelerate this momentum even further.
China’s Innovative Start-up Ecosystem
China boasts 116,383 startups, ranking seventh globally. Impressively, 32,700 of these ventures have raised US$1.02 trillion in venture capital and private equity. The country is also home to 146 unicorns, while 30,526 funding rounds have involved 11,277 investors. This dynamic ecosystem has seen 1,744 acquisitions and 4,717 IPOs, illustrating the depth and maturity of the Chinese innovation landscape.
UAE’s Growth Strategy Gains Pace
Meanwhile, the UAE maintains an equally thriving entrepreneurial scene, with 52,719 startups as of late 2025. Collectively, about 2,815 startups have raised US$97 billion in capital. With 11–14 unicorns already in the country, the UAE is registering exceptional growth — 32% nationwide and 33.4% in Dubai alone. The government aims to scale up to two million companies by 2031, reinforcing the UAE’s vision as the region’s tech gateway.
Furthermore, tech funding reached US$2 billion in Q3 2025, propelled by fintech, enterprise apps, and proptech, supported by investor confidence and government initiatives.
Leaders Applaud the Strategic Vision
“We are ushering in a new era of UAE-China entrepreneurship,” said Amer Al Ahbabi. “These agreements ensure cross-border collaboration that will strengthen investment and accelerate emerging technology developments in both nations.”
Echoing this optimism, Khalifa Al Dhaheri added, “This initiative is a cornerstone for future cooperation, enabling knowledge exchange and strengthening economic partnerships between China and the UAE.”
Looking Forward
Vertix Holdings affirmed that the forum marks a qualitative leap in UAE-China relations. By building a sustainable innovation ecosystem, both sides aim to unlock unprecedented opportunities in digital technology, research, investment and industrial transformation. Vertix plans to continue this collaboration by welcoming Chinese partners to Abu Dhabi for future strategic initiatives.
With expanding markets, growing investor enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to innovation, the UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum sets the stage for a thriving partnership that promises economic growth and transformative technological progress.
