Held as part of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025
(Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper)
The Chinese–UAE Digital Partnerships Forum was held in Dubai as part of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025, marking a strategic step toward strengthening cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China in the fields of digital economy and technological transformation.
The forum was organized in collaboration with the organizing committee of the Global Digital Economy Conference, the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance, the Beijing Informatization Association, the Beijing Center for Empowering Digital Enterprises for International Expansion, Capital Exhibition Group, 761 Innovation Space, the China Communications Association, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and 8 Bridge Consulting.
The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including senior government officials, technology pioneers, and experts from the UAE, China, and across the Middle East. Attendees included representatives from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, du Telecommunications, and Fakeeh University Hospital. The forum coincided with the 45th edition of GITEX Global.
During the discussions, participants emphasized the shared vision between both nations to advance digital innovation and investment. Shao Minghong, from the Beijing Bureau of Economy and Informatization, reviewed the progress made in building a robust digital economy ecosystem, highlighting the Middle East as a key partner in the next phase of digital expansion.
Echoing this perspective, Daniel Callaghan, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Business Growth at Dubai Silicon Oasis, described digital technologies as the “new Silk Road” that enables economies to flourish through international cooperation.
Xia Guan presented an overview of the government policies and incentives designed to attract high-tech companies and investors to Beijing, inviting Emirati and regional enterprises to explore the city’s promising investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Shi Yitao announced that Beijing will host the next Global Digital Economy Conference in July 2026, further strengthening international collaboration in the sector.
Wang Yan, Deputy General Manager of the Beijing Center for Empowering Digital Enterprises for International Expansion, explained that the center supports Chinese companies entering global markets by facilitating regulatory compliance, building partnerships, and developing digital platforms. She also revealed the launch of a promotional center in the UAE, with plans to establish a service hub in Saudi Arabia.
Representatives from du Telecommunications, including Tariq Al Bahri and Greg Pierce, shared insights on investment opportunities and digital transformation in the healthcare, finance, retail, and real estate sectors. They emphasized that the UAE offers a globally leading environment for the development of a smart and connected economy.
The forum also witnessed the signing of several strategic cooperation agreements, including a partnership between the Beijing Center for Empowering Digital Enterprises for International Expansion and APCO Worldwide, collaborations between iSoftStone Digital and regional partners to develop new digital solutions, and a tripartite agreement among Great Wall Global, China Unicom Global, and Rongyun to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data centers.
By the conclusion of the event, the forum had firmly established itself as a key platform for building trust and fostering long-term partnerships between China, the UAE, and other regional countries—laying the foundation for a future driven by innovation, digital technologies, and transformative growth.