Theo Reilly reports on a growing events partnership. China is participating more and more in the UAE events landscape, with Chinese exhibitors now outnumbering their American counterparts. How deep does this bond go?
The UAE has found its most important partner. The Gulf state began trading with China in the 1980s, and has grown meteorically since. Now, China is the UAE’s biggest economic partner, followed by India and the US. With both China and the UAE being powerhouses in the events world, the consequences of this deepening partnership could be major for the industry.
A quick look at the numbers
• Chinese company registrations in Dubai jumped 69% in 2023
• Major business forums regularly draw hundreds of Chinese investors to the UAE (UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai drew 200 government and business reps)
• Exhibitions like GITEX 2024 feature significant Chinese presence, with 260 Chinese exhibitors, compared to 222 from the US, 49 from the UK and 30 from Germany
• UAE has increased its presence at certain Chinese shows like Airshow China
• Emirates airline now runs 49 weekly flights to China
• UAE’s trade show revenue growth hit 123% in 2024 – outpacing Germany’s 106%, according to UFI
Chinese companies registered in Dubai growing fast
UAE has become China’s main partner in the Middle East, with $95bn in bilateral trade. In 2023, the number of Chinese-owned companies that registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce grew by 69%, compared to the number of UK companies growing by 40%.
The Dubai Chamber reported that “China was among the top nationalities for new chamber members”.
In an interview with China Daily, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers called China “a priority market”.
“We admire China’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation and are excited about the vast trade and investment opportunities,” Lootah said.
It’s not just a one-way street. UAE companies are also looking to do more business in China. In 2024, the UAE expanded its presence at Airshow China in Zhuhai with a diverse range of exhibitors. Airshow China is a critical trade show for the Chinese defence industry – it is the only international aerospace trade show approved by the Chinese central government, and features significant government presence.
Major cooperation events between UAE and China
UAE capital Abu Dhabi hosted “Building Bridges for the Future UAE & China” in November 2024, featuring workshops, cultural showcases and networking events.
High-level diplomatic engagement continues. September 2024 saw multiple conferences and visits between Arab leaders and Beijing officials. The UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai drew 200 government and business representatives.
In August 2024, the Dubai Business Forum was held in Beijing – the first time the event has had an international edition. It attracted 800 Chinese business leaders and investors.
“China has always been a market of great strategic importance to Dubai, which is reflected in our decision to host the first international edition of the Dubai Business Forum in Beijing,” His Excellency Mohammad Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said.
GITEX Dubai
GITEX Dubai 2024 was a prime example of how deep China-UAE events integration is. Over 260 Chinese firms exhibited at the tech show – from giants to startups – compared to the USA’s 222, the UK’s 49 and Germany’s 30.
The Chinese exhibitors displayed wow factor. EV manufacturer Xpeng Aeroht showcased one of its most impressive creations – a flying car. Chinese companies also revealed the latest in drone and robot tech.
So important is Chinese participation in GITEX Global that 36Kr, the Chinese tech media platform, provided editorial coverage of Expand North Star, a five-day summit under the umbrella of GITEX, for its Chinese readership.
The company covered Expand North Star’s interviews, product launches and tech showcases, as well as reporting on Chinese exhibitors in attendance. 36Kr explains that it also provided “contextualised narratives for Chinese readers”, including “why Dubai is positioning itself as a gateway for China’s outbound tech companies” and “how Middle Eastern markets are evolving as key partners”.
How large is Chinese exhibitor presence at UAE shows?
We examined the exhibitor lists of five major UAE trade shows – ADIPEC, Big 5 Global, Dubai Airshow, Dubai International Boat Show and GITEX Global. China’s presence at each of the shows is impressive, usually eclipsing the USA, UK, Germany and India. Data was taken from the most recent exhibitor lists available.
New flight paths between Dubai and China
Travel options between the two countries are also becoming more varied. Emirates launched daily flights between Dubai and Shenzhen on 1 July. Hangzhou-Dubai service will begin on 30 July. The expansion brings the airline’s weekly China operations to 49 flights across four mainland cities.
Public perception: China as a major economic partner
Public perception in the UAE is that China is an important economic ally. 62% of Emiratis viewed the Chinese as an “economic partner”, more so than a “security partner” (10%), in a 2021 study by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Conversely, just 35% of Emiratis viewed the USA as an “economic partner”, compared to 30% as a “security partner”.
China-UAE integration is accelerating rapidly. With major Chinese presence at Dubai shows, increasing flight paths and delegations flying from one nation to the other, the bond looks set to become a major global partnership. Perhaps with weight of Chinese financial support, UAE-based organisers like DWTC will begin to compete with the other international heavyweights.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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