Page 117 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

across various key sectors, including tourism, aviation, circular economy, FinTech, e-commerce,
infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, smart transportation, and sustainable
manufacturing.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the tourism industry serves as a key pillar of economic
cooperation between the two countries, having witnessed continued growth across all its sub-
sectors. The total number of Chinese visitors to the UAE stood at around 1.2 million in 2023,
marking a remarkable growth of 213 per cent compared to 382,206 tourists in 2022. There are
currently 44 flights operated by the UAE’s national carriers connecting the two countries every
week.

Leading trade partner
In his opening address, His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers,
highlighted that China’s status as the UAE’s top trading partner speaks volumes about the thriving
relations between the two nations.

Most offices in one country
He emphasised that, considering the growing importance of the Chinese market and its strategic
partnership role, the Dubai International Chamber has established three overseas offices in China –
located in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong – representing the highest number of offices in a
single country. These offices serve as vital gateways to enhance investment opportunities and
facilitate mutually beneficial trade exchanges.

His Excellency Al Ghurair stated, “Our commitment at Dubai Chambers to supporting the Chinese
business community is unwavering. Last month, we were delighted to organise the Dubai Business
Forum in Beijing, attended by 800 investors and entrepreneurs representing both nations. This
forum underscores our vision of China as a crucial strategic partner in our future initiatives.”

HE Al Ghurair concluded his address by noting: “As a testament to the strength of our bilateral
relations, the total number of active Chinese member companies registered as members of Dubai
Chamber of Commerce reached 5,480 by the end of August, out of which 1,004 new Chinese
companies joining during the first eight months of this year.”

The Forum witnessed four panel discussions featuring 20 speakers, including officials and business
leaders from both the UAE and China. His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and
CEO of Dubai Chambers, delivered the welcome address. The sessions focused on the role of
sovereign wealth funds in developing joint investments and projects, as well as the importance of
strengthening partnership frameworks within the energy sector. Opportunities to enhance cross-
investment and trade were also closely evaluated.

Additionally, the discussions showcased successful Dubai-based companies that have expanded
their operations and partnerships in China, alongside Chinese firms that have capitalised on the
business growth opportunities available in the emirate.

https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2024/september/12-09/uae-china-business-forum-explores-
strategies-to-enhance-bilateral-trade-and-investments