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Tourism

UAE and China Strengthen Economic and Investment Relations through Bilateral Meetings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Chairman of Investopia, held bilateral meetings with Chinese officials to discuss strengthening economic and investment relations between the UAE and China. The discussions focused on priority sectors, particularly the new economy, tourism, travel, hospitality, aviation, air transport, creative industries, and intellectual property (IP). The UAE and China agreed to expand cooperation in creative and cultural industries, including intellectual property rights, patents, and industrial property.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UAE and China have strengthened economic and investment relations through bilateral meetings, focusing on priority sectors such as the new economy, tourism, travel, hospitality, and intellectual property (IP).
  • The meetings aimed to expand cooperation in creative and cultural industries, including intellectual property rights, patents, and industrial property.
  • The UAE welcomed over one million Chinese tourists in 2024 and has more than 147 weekly flights between cities in both countries.
  • The Chinese business community has invested significantly in the UAE, with over 16,500 active business licenses as of the end of July 2025.
  • The UAE aims to develop its tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation sectors through innovation, sustainability, and partnerships with regional and global markets.
  • The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has been facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge in intellectual property rights, patents, and industrial property between the UAE and China.
  • The Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the UAE have discussed new mechanisms for enhancing economic cooperation and communication between the Emirati and Chinese business communities.

Statistics:

  • The UAE welcomed over one million Chinese tourists in 2024.
  • There are more than 147 weekly flights between cities in both countries.
  • The UAE has more than 350,000 Chinese citizens living in the country.
  • Approximately 117 passenger flights and 30 cargo flights are operated between the countries by UAE and Chinese airlines.
  • The number of active Chinese business licenses in the UAE reached 16,500 by the end of July 2025, growing by 18% compared to the end of July 2024.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Economy & Tourism, Government of UAE (original press release)

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