Dubai Chambers has announced it will host the fifth international iteration of the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen, China, on May 14, 2026, aiming to substantially increase Chinese investment and foster new partnerships critical to achieving the emirate’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda. This strategic initiative underscores Dubai’s proactive measures to position itself as a strategic gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking expansion into the lucrative markets of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Strategic Location Targets Tech Hub
The decision to hold the forum in Shenzhen places the event squarely within the heart of China’s Greater Bay Area, a globally recognized epicenter for technological innovation and economic dynamism. Dubai Chambers asserts that operating from this key location will maximize the visibility of opportunities stemming from the D33 agenda, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the significance of returning to China, stating it reaffirms the organization’s dedication to reinforcing economic linkages and establishing “tangible pathways for growth in the digital economy.” Lootah anticipates the forum will be a catalyst for new joint ventures and collaborations essential for realizing the full scope of the D33 objectives.
The forum’s agenda is designed to facilitate the exchange of specialized knowledge across critical sectors, including:
- Innovation and Future Technologies
- Global Trade and Logistics
- The Digital Economy
- Emerging Industries
Highlighting Dubai’s Appeal to Chinese Enterprises
This event is integral to Dubai Chambers’ ongoing mission to expand its global network and solidify Dubai’s reputation as a preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The substantial and rapidly increasing presence of Chinese companies already operating in Dubai demonstrates a strong mutual interest. By the close of the third quarter of 2025, over 6,190 active Chinese members were registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a robust commercial engagement.
The forum is structured to facilitate practical business outcomes through several targeted activities, including:
- Curated business-matching meetings
- Industry-specific roundtable discussions
- High-level policy dialogues aimed at establishing sustainable, long-term collaborations
The previous installment of the Dubai Business Forum – China, held in Beijing in August 2024, successfully engaged more than 800 prominent business leaders and international investors, setting a precedent for this year’s expected turnout.
The 2026 Shenzhen forum is strategically timed to capitalize on favorable bilateral relations and shared development goals, moving beyond traditional trade to focus on digital transformation and innovation-led growth. By actively engaging companies in the Greater Bay Area, Dubai aims not only to attract capital but also to secure advanced technologies and expertise necessary to power its future economic ecosystem envisioned under the D33 plan. The consistent staging of these forums signals Dubai’s long-term commitment to integrating deeply with one of the world’s most dynamic economies.