Dubai Chambers will host its fifth international Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, China, on May 14, 2026, aiming to significantly boost Chinese investment and strategic partnerships aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33. This high-profile event is designed to position Dubai as the primary gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking expansion across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, while spotlighting the vast commercial opportunities created by the D33 framework.
The selection of Shenzhen, a centerpiece of the Greater Bay Area and a global hub for technological innovation, underscores the forum’s focus on future industries. This strategic event forms a core part of Dubai Chambers’ proactive endeavor to expand its international network and solidify Dubai’s status as a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Strengthening Digital and Economic Ties
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized that the organization’s return to China reflects a deep commitment to reinforcing economic ties and constructing “tangible pathways for growth in the digital economy.” The forum, according to Lootah, is expected to serve as a catalyst for new joint ventures and collaborations crucial to realizing D33’s ambitious economic targets.
The D33 agenda seeks to double Dubai’s economy by 2033, pivoting on digital transformation, global connectivity, and sustainable growth. The forum’s agenda will feature dedicated sessions offering key insights on innovation, international trade dynamics, the digital economy, and emerging future industries.
China-Dubai Business Momentum
The collaboration comes amid rapidly accelerating commercial ties between Dubai and China. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce had recorded over 6,190 active Chinese member companies, demonstrating a strong and continuous influx of Chinese business presence in the emirate.
Attendees at the Shenzhen event will engage in a structured program featuring curated business-matching meetings, focused sector roundtables, and high-level policy dialogues meticulously crafted to foster durable, long-term economic collaboration. These focused interactions are intended to facilitate direct investment, technology transfer, and joint market access initiatives.
This forthcoming forum builds upon the clear success of the previous Dubai Business Forum – China, held in Beijing in August 2024, which successfully convened more than 800 influential business leaders and global investors. By shifting the focus to Shenzhen’s tech-centric ecosystem, Dubai Chambers signals a clear intent to target China’s innovation-driven sectors, particularly those specializing in advanced technology, e-commerce, and sustainable manufacturing. The 2026 forum is a critical step in positioning Dubai as the indispensable commercial and logistical partner for Chinese global expansion.