Dubai Chambers is set to host the fifth international edition of the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, China, on May 14, 2026. This strategic meeting aims to significantly boost Chinese foreign direct investment and foster robust commercial partnerships, directly supporting Dubai’s ambitious economic roadmap, the D33 Agenda. By positioning Dubai as the primary gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking expansion across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the forum seeks to unlock avenues for growth, particularly within digital and technological sectors.
The decision to convene the forum in Shenzhen, a critical nucleus of technological innovation within the Greater Bay Area, underscores the strategic focus on high-growth industries. Dubai Chambers stated the event will specifically showcase the opportunities emerging from the D33 Agenda, which aims to double the emirate’s economy and cement its status as a top global commercial hub by 2033.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented on the importance of returning to China, highlighting the organization’s dedication to strengthening bilateral economic ties. He noted the forum’s goal is to create “tangible pathways for growth in the digital economy” and expedite collaborations and joint ventures that are essential to achieving the D33 targets.
Deepening Economic Collaboration
The annual forum serves as a critical platform for high-level policy dialogues, sector roundtables, and curated business-matching sessions, all tailored to secure long-term collaboration. Attendees, typically senior business leaders, investors, and policymakers, will engage in discussions centered on innovation, global trade dynamics, the evolving digital economy, and future-forward industries.
The staging of the forum is part of Dubai Chambers’ continuous strategy to expand its global network and solidify Dubai’s competitive status as a favored destination for international capital and commercial operations. The robust and rapidly increasing Chinese business presence in Dubai provides a strong foundation for this initiative. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, over 6,190 active Chinese companies were registered members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, signaling a significant and sustained influx of investment.
Key components of the 2026 Forum:
- Policy Dialogues: Addressing regulatory frameworks conducive to cross-border investment.
- Sector Roundtables: Focusing on high-priority sectors like technology, logistics, and finance.
- Business Matching: Facilitating direct introductions between Dubai-based entities and Chinese investors.
The success of previous iterations demonstrates the event’s impact. The last Dubai Business Forum – China, held in Beijing in August 2024, successfully drew more than 800 prominent business leaders and investors, generating substantial leads for future partnerships.
This upcoming forum is expected to further catalyze strategic economic diversification and play a vital role in realizing the broader ambitions of the D33 Agenda, particularly by securing cornerstone investments from one of the world’s largest economies. The partnership is key to advancing Dubai’s global trade narrative and establishing a thriving ecosystem for digital and advanced industries.