Dubai Chambers is doubling down on its China strategy, with fresh talks aimed at unlocking the next phase of trade and investment, this time with a sharper focus on the digital economy.

During a recent meeting with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Shanghai, senior officials from both sides explored ways to strengthen economic ties and create new pathways for business collaboration between Dubai and China. The discussions brought together Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, and Yang Dongsheng, Vice Chairman of CCPIT Shanghai.

At the center of the conversation were high-growth sectors with untapped potential, particularly digital industries that are increasingly shaping global trade flows. This reflects a broader shift in how both markets are approaching cross-border partnerships, moving beyond traditional trade towards innovation-driven ecosystems.

“Dubai and China share a dynamic economic partnership with significant scope to expand trade and investment ties, deepen collaboration, and drive mutual growth,” said Lootah. “We are committed to further strengthening cooperation between the business communities in both markets, supporting two-way investment flows, and exploring new opportunities across priority sectors.”

The timing is notable. Chinese companies are steadily expanding their footprint in Dubai, with 1,583 new firms joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2025 alone, a 7 percent year-on-year increase. China now ranks seventh among the top source markets for new foreign businesses in the emirate, underscoring Dubai’s growing appeal as a gateway to regional and global markets.

For Dubai Chambers, the strategy is clear. Position the emirate not just as a trade hub, but as a launchpad for international expansion. The organization continues to play a central role in enabling business growth, connecting companies to global opportunities, advancing Dubai’s digital economy ambitions, and reinforcing its standing as a competitive global business center.

As geopolitical and economic shifts reshape global supply chains, partnerships like these point to where the next wave of growth is likely to emerge. Digitally enabled, cross-border, and increasingly interconnected.