emirates7 - The United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China have established a remarkable partnership, grounded in shared aspirations and a mutual commitment to sustainable development, driving economic growth and shared prosperity.
As they commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, their collaboration since 1984 has flourished across various sectors, evolving into a strategic partnership bolstered by a comprehensive economic framework.
A key pillar of this relationship is the UAE's prominent role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since its inception in 2013, the UAE has utilized its strategic geographic position, world-class infrastructure, and leadership in regional trade to become a vital partner in the initiative.
Significant contributions include the UAE’s $10 billion investment in a joint China-UAE fund supporting BRI projects in East Africa. In 2018, the two nations signed 13 memorandums of understanding to promote investment across various sectors within the UAE. The UAE also holds founding membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Strengthening these ties further, the UAE actively participates in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, particularly during its 10th Ministerial Meeting, underscoring a shared vision of enhancing Arab-China relations and expanding avenues for strategic collaboration.
Economic relations between the UAE and China are thriving. Over 14,500 Chinese business licenses have been issued in the UAE, and China stands as the UAE’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment, totaling $6.3 billion. Bilateral investments surged to $15 billion in 2022, while non-oil trade between the nations surpassed $50 billion in the first half of 2024, with year-end projections exceeding $100 billion.
In 2023, non-oil trade reached AED 296 billion ($81 billion), reflecting a 4.2% increase from the previous year. China contributed 12% to the UAE’s total non-oil trade, cementing its position as the UAE's largest trading partner in the Arab world, while the UAE remains China’s top Arab trading partner.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in this partnership. In 2023, the UAE welcomed around 1.2 million Chinese visitors, and the Chinese expatriate community in the UAE reached 350,000. More than 210 monthly flights connect the two nations, highlighting strong aviation links.
The UAE’s 2023 accession to BRICS—joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—marked another milestone in its international collaboration. Announced at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, this membership underscores the UAE's commitment to multilateralism and its role in promoting global peace, development, and economic progress.
As they commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, their collaboration since 1984 has flourished across various sectors, evolving into a strategic partnership bolstered by a comprehensive economic framework.
A key pillar of this relationship is the UAE's prominent role in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since its inception in 2013, the UAE has utilized its strategic geographic position, world-class infrastructure, and leadership in regional trade to become a vital partner in the initiative.
Significant contributions include the UAE’s $10 billion investment in a joint China-UAE fund supporting BRI projects in East Africa. In 2018, the two nations signed 13 memorandums of understanding to promote investment across various sectors within the UAE. The UAE also holds founding membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Strengthening these ties further, the UAE actively participates in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, particularly during its 10th Ministerial Meeting, underscoring a shared vision of enhancing Arab-China relations and expanding avenues for strategic collaboration.
Economic relations between the UAE and China are thriving. Over 14,500 Chinese business licenses have been issued in the UAE, and China stands as the UAE’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment, totaling $6.3 billion. Bilateral investments surged to $15 billion in 2022, while non-oil trade between the nations surpassed $50 billion in the first half of 2024, with year-end projections exceeding $100 billion.
In 2023, non-oil trade reached AED 296 billion ($81 billion), reflecting a 4.2% increase from the previous year. China contributed 12% to the UAE’s total non-oil trade, cementing its position as the UAE's largest trading partner in the Arab world, while the UAE remains China’s top Arab trading partner.
Tourism continues to play a vital role in this partnership. In 2023, the UAE welcomed around 1.2 million Chinese visitors, and the Chinese expatriate community in the UAE reached 350,000. More than 210 monthly flights connect the two nations, highlighting strong aviation links.
The UAE’s 2023 accession to BRICS—joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—marked another milestone in its international collaboration. Announced at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, this membership underscores the UAE's commitment to multilateralism and its role in promoting global peace, development, and economic progress.