China and the United Arab Emirates are accelerating strategic economic cooperation, with bilateral non-oil trade projected to surpass $100 billion in 2025 following a record $90 billion exchange in 2024. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized strengthened alignment between China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Middle Eastern development strategies during his recent regional tour.
Logistics and Free Trade Zones Lead Collaboration
Major UAE ports and free trade zones have established operational partnerships with Chinese counterparts, while the Hainan Free Trade Port's new customs policies are attracting UAE businesses to expand in China. Conversely, Chinese firms increasingly leverage UAE hubs to access African and Middle Eastern markets.
UAE Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi noted: "Our strategic cooperation continues to deepen across sectors, from renewable energy to digital infrastructure." Both nations anticipate expanded investment flows ahead of the 2026 China-Arab States Summit, which Beijing will host to further institutionalize economic partnerships.
