UAE and China launch smart transport centre to drive EV and autonomous mobility

Dubai has launched the UAE-China Smart Transport Centre, a year-round platform designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in clean and smart mobility, accelerate technology adoption, and create new investment opportunities in the transport sector.

Announced during the UAE-China Industrial Cooperation Forum on green and smart mobility, held alongside the Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026, the initiative seeks to transform industry discussions into projects and commercial partnerships.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference 2026, said the centre would establish a framework for sustained collaboration between UAE stakeholders and Chinese companies to support the development and deployment of advanced mobility solutions.

The centre will focus on three areas, beginning with regulatory support for Chinese companies entering the UAE market. It will provide guidance on licensing, vehicle certification, safety standards, and electric vehicle charging requirements.

It will also facilitate partnerships among Chinese vehicle manufacturers, UAE fleet operators, charging infrastructure providers, industrial companies, and investors through regular meetings to identify business opportunities.

A third area will focus on pilot projects involving autonomous taxis, driverless logistics, and advanced charging and energy technologies. These initiatives will enable companies to test solutions in the UAE before expanding into regional markets.

Al Shezawi said the centre was established following discussions with government representatives and Chinese companies, who highlighted challenges related to regulatory approvals, charging infrastructure compatibility, and access to local partners.

The initiative comes amid strengthening economic ties between the two countries, with UAE-China non-oil trade surpassing $100 billion for the first time last year, up 24.5%.

The partnership aims to combine China’s expertise in electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, and autonomous driving technologies with the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and ambitions for sustainable transport.

The collaboration also supports Dubai’s target to transition its entire taxi and limousine fleet to electric- and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2040.

Beyond vehicle manufacturing, the two countries are exploring opportunities in charging networks, ports, aviation, research and development, and supply-chain localisation.

Al Shezawi said the centre would serve as a permanent framework for cooperation rather than a conventional headquarters, with progress to be reviewed at the next edition of the exhibition.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional testing ground for Chinese mobility technologies and support their expansion into markets across the Middle East and beyond.