Dubai Chambers will convene its fifth international Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, China, this May, strategically targeting new Chinese investment and collaborative ventures vital to achieving the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Scheduled for May 14, 2026, the event aims to position Dubai as the definitive launchpad for Chinese enterprises seeking to expand their footprint across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, capitalizing on the opportunities embedded within the D33 framework.
The forum’s selection of Shenzhen—a cornerstone of the dynamic Greater Bay Area and a global leader in technological innovation—underscores the city-state’s focus on digital and future economies. This high-profile engagement reinforces Dubai’s proactive initiative to deepen economic ties with one of its most critical trading partners.
Cementing Digital and Trade Partnerships
The return to China reflects Dubai Chambers’ long-term commitment to not only strengthening financial links but also forging “tangible pathways for growth in the digital economy,” according to Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. He anticipates the forum will serve as a powerful catalyst for a new wave of joint ventures and collaborations designed to meet the aggressive growth targets set by D33.
The agenda will feature specialized sessions dedicated to exchanging critical insights and best practices across key sectors, including innovation, international trade, the digital economy, and burgeoning future industries. This focus aligns with the chamber’s broader strategy of expanding its global network and solidifying Dubai’s status as a preeminent destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
The burgeoning influence of Chinese enterprise in Dubai is already evident. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce recorded over 6,190 active Chinese member companies, highlighting a fast-growing commercial partnership that spans diverse sectors.
Strategic Engagement for Future Growth
The Shenzhen forum is meticulously structured to foster substantive, enduring business connections. Attendees will participate in a series of curated activities, including:
- Business-Matching Meetings: Tailored sessions designed to connect investors and partners based on mutual strategic interests.
- Sector Roundtables: Deep-dive discussions addressing specific industry challenges and opportunities.
- Policy Dialogues: High-level talks aimed at streamlining cross-border regulatory harmonization and long-term collaboration mechanisms.
The upcoming event builds on the success of the previous Dubai Business Forum – China, which attracted more than 800 business leaders and investors when it was hosted in Beijing in August 2024. These forums are central to Dubai Chambers’ mandate to both attract FDI and boost the emirate’s global competitiveness.
By emphasizing the digital economy and leveraging Shenzhen’s innovative ecosystem, Dubai is strategically positioning itself to be the primary gateway for Chinese companies looking to access and influence rapidly developing markets across the globe. This May’s assembly is expected to generate significant commercial activity, driving new capital flow and fostering technological exchange that supports the next phase of Dubai’s economic expansion.