Chinese companies deepen Middle East footprint
JD Property partners Gargash Prime on UAE logistics hub
JD Property, the infrastructure investment arm of Chinese e-commerce company JD.com, has signed an agreement with UAE-based Gargash Prime to develop approximately 250,000 square meters of logistics infrastructure in the UAE. The project is intended to serve as a regional distribution and fulfillment hub for the Middle East.
JD Property CEO Carl Chen said the partnership would expand the company’s presence in the Middle East and strengthen its international logistics services. The companies plan to combine JD’s warehouse operations and supply chain technology with local industry resources to serve regional markets.
Tencent Cloud partners with Dubai CommerCity
Tencent Cloud and Dubai CommerCity have signed an agreement in Shenzhen to provide cloud computing and digital services to companies registered in the free zone, Emirates News Agency reported. The services are intended to help businesses improve operational efficiency, develop new offerings, and expand internationally.
The partners also plan to organize technical exchanges, seminars, and innovation events to promote the adoption of digital technology in e-commerce. The agreement is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority’s efforts to expand international technology partnerships and strengthen digital trade in Dubai.
CSC Financial signs agreement with UAE investment ministry
CSC Financial has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE’s Ministry of Investment covering asset management, cross-border investment channels, and project matchmaking, according to Jiemian News.
The agreement is intended to help Chinese companies expand into the Middle East while connecting Middle Eastern investors with opportunities in China, creating a more direct channel between businesses and investors in the two markets.
Ant International secures two UAE payment licenses
Ant International has obtained two payment licenses from the Central Bank of the UAE, paving the way for its Antom and WorldFirst businesses to expand in the country, Fintech News reported.
Antom plans to provide payment processing and other digital payment services to merchants, while WorldFirst intends to offer cross-border accounts and financial services to help businesses manage international trade payments and collections.
Aamal subsidiary partners with China Railway Tunnel Group
Qatar-listed Aamal said its subsidiary, Advanced Pipes and Casts Company (APC), has signed an MoU with China Railway Tunnel Group to explore tunnel projects in Qatar and the surrounding region, according to Zawya.
The partnership will focus on precast tunnel segments and related supply chain requirements, combining China Railway Tunnel Group’s tunneling expertise with APC’s local manufacturing capabilities.
Economic and policy developments
Dubai Business Forum concludes in Shenzhen
The latest Dubai Business Forum concluded in Shenzhen on October 14, drawing 854 Chinese investors and business representatives. Dubai Chambers led a 112-member delegation, its largest overseas business delegation to date.
Discussions covered artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, logistics, smart mobility, and the digital economy. The forum sought to strengthen business ties between the two markets and help Chinese companies explore Dubai as a base for expansion into the Middle East and beyond.
Dubai Chambers signs agreements with four Chinese chambers
Dubai Chambers signed MoUs with chambers of commerce in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing during the Dubai Business Forum.
The agreements cover trade and investment promotion, business information sharing, company exchanges, and participation in international exhibitions. Dubai Chambers said the partnerships would help Chinese companies enter Dubai and neighboring markets while supporting Dubai-based businesses expanding into China.
Dubai digital economy chamber supports 485 startups in H1
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 485 digital technology startups in the first half of 2026, up 57.5% year-on-year, Khaleej Times reported. International companies accounted for 51% of the total, while 23% focused on AI.
Speaking at the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen, the chamber said it was seeking to attract Chinese technology companies looking to use Dubai as a base for regional and global expansion. Its priority sectors include AI, robotics, smart hardware, cloud computing, and fintech.
Abu Dhabi seeks to speed up business launches
Abu Dhabi is pursuing reforms to improve its business environment, using the time between an investment decision and the start of business operations as a measure of progress, Emirates News Agency reported.
The reforms focus on streamlining approvals and licensing while improving coordination of premises, utility connections, and financial services. The next phase will integrate administrative procedures that businesses must complete before opening, with the aim of reducing regulatory costs and shortening the time needed to begin operations.
UAE develops AI system to identify trade barriers
The UAE is developing an AI trade analysis system to help exporters identify potential tariff, regulatory, and other barriers in overseas markets, Arab News reported.
Fahad Al-Gergawi, undersecretary of the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, said the system is expected to assess potential barriers to a product’s entry into a target market within minutes and recommend alternative export destinations and business partners. The initiative is intended to help companies compete internationally and strengthen the resilience of their trade networks.
Dubai trials driverless transit system at Bluewaters
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has begun a four-week trial of the Glydways automated transit system at Bluewaters, AGBI reported. The system uses small electric pods that can carry up to six passengers along dedicated routes separated from regular traffic.
The trial will assess safety, operational reliability, and the feasibility of integrating the system with existing public transport. It is intended to provide flexible, short-distance connections between tourist destinations, business districts, and transit stations.
Saudi AI business registrations rise 31%
Saudi Arabia had 24,693 active commercial registrations for AI technologies at the end of the third quarter of 2026, up 31% year-on-year, Saudi Gazette reported, citing Ministry of Commerce data. That represents an increase of 5,847 registrations from a year earlier.
The increase comes as Saudi Arabia continues investing in AI infrastructure and its digital economy, with the government seeking to expand the use of AI across technology services and industrial applications.
Saudi e-commerce registrations increase 25%
Active e-commerce commercial registrations in Saudi Arabia reached 52,259 at the end of the third quarter of 2026, up 25% year-on-year, Saudi Gazette reported, citing Ministry of Commerce data. The total increased by more than 10,000 from a year earlier.
The increase comes amid the continued development of digital payments, delivery networks, and e-commerce services, which are supporting the broader shift toward online retail.
Saudi FDI inflows grow 33.5% in 2025
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Saudi Arabia reached SAR 159.1 billion (USD 42.4 billion) in 2025, up 33.5% year-on-year, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The country’s total FDI stock exceeded SAR 1 trillion (USD 266.7 billion) at the end of 2025.
Construction and manufacturing attracted the most foreign investment, indicating greater capital flows into infrastructure and other productive sectors. Saudi Arabia has sought to improve its business environment by revising investment legislation, simplifying approvals, and implementing a regional headquarters program for multinational companies.
Saudi cybersecurity market exceeds USD 4.3 billion
Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market reached SAR 16.3 billion (USD 4.3 billion) in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% over the past three years, Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing the National Cybersecurity Authority.
The private sector accounted for 69% of cybersecurity spending. The sector contributed approximately SAR 20 billion (USD 5.3 billion) to gross domestic product and employed more than 22,000 people.
Qatar and China renew currency swap agreement
Qatar Central Bank governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani and People’s Bank of China governor Pan Gongsheng signed an extension of their bilateral local currency swap agreement in Bangkok on October 14, Qatar News Agency reported.
The signing took place during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The agreement, now extended for a third time, is intended to promote bilateral trade and direct investment, facilitate cross-border transactions in local currencies, and deepen monetary and financial cooperation.
Qatar launches digital business map for investors
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a digital business map platform that gives local and international investors access to information on commercial activity, population distribution, and regional markets, The Peninsula reported.
The platform offers six services, including AI-powered map analysis, business location recommendations, monitoring of business closures, and information on the distribution of foreign investment. Users can examine the number of businesses in an area, its industry mix, and customer demographics to inform market research, location decisions, and investment planning.
More than 5,000 foreign-owned companies register in Doha
More than 5,000 foreign-owned companies registered in Doha over the past three months, Qatar’s minister of commerce and industry, Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, said at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, according to The Peninsula.
He said Qatar remained attractive to investors despite regional disruptions affecting its energy industry and supply chains. The government has sought to maintain investor confidence through fiscal policy, infrastructure investment, and improvements to the business environment. It is also considering further easing foreign ownership restrictions and simplifying business approvals.
Qatar car buyers increasingly turn to digital platforms
Consumers in Qatar are increasingly using online platforms to shortlist vehicles, compare prices, and research purchases as the automotive market becomes more digital, Gulf Times reported.
Platforms such as QIC Market cover more than 60 automotive brands and offer vehicle valuations, ownership cost analysis, and insurance services to support purchasing decisions. The shift is affecting both new and used car sales.
QDB expands logistics support fund
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has increased its Logistics Support Fund to QAR 400 million (USD 109.9 million) to help local manufacturers manage higher shipping costs caused by regional disruptions, GCC Business News reported.
The fund provides non-repayable grants covering up to 80% of the increase in freight costs for essential raw material imports transported by sea, air, or land. A total of 154 factories have applied for support.
This article was adapted based on a feature originally written and published by Al Shasia. KrASIA is authorized to translate, adapt, and publish its contents.
Note: QAR, SAR figures are converted to USD at rates of QAR 3.64 = USD 1 and SAR 3.75 = USD 1 based on estimates as of October 20, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are approximate and, where appropriate, rounded for ease of reference. They may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.
