UAE president to begin state visit to China on May 30: Explore UAE-China diplomatic and economic ties

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed concluded his state visit to South Korea on May 29. His high-profile trip to Seoul involved discussions with his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol, business leaders, and Emirati students in South Korea, among others.

He is scheduled to begin a state visit to China on May 30. It comes after an invitation from his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation and collaboration.

The economic, developmental and cultural fields are likely to be granted more attention. His Highness is also set to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of UAE-China diplomatic relations, according to media reports.

UAE remains China’s top trade partner in Arab region

The UAE and China first established their diplomatic ties in 1984. The UAE has a consulate general in Hong Kong and an embassy in Beijing. China has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consolate general in Dubai.

The countries have long been close partners, collaborating extensively on various fields. They share a robust partnership integral to both countries’ development and foreign policy objectives, noted China Briefing in a report dated May 10, 2024.

Bilateral trade thrives as the Emirates remains China’s top trade partner in the Arab region. Bilateral commerce reached improved heights in 2021, exceeding $75.6 billion. As of 2022, about 6,000 Chinese businesses operate in the Gulf state.

UAE-China noting impressive non-oil trade numbers

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. China consistently serves as one of the UAE’s leading trade partners. By last year, bilateral trade had already reached a staggering $95 billion, approximately.

In 2022 alone, bilateral non-oil trade noted an impressive annual growth rate of 18%, culminating in a non-oil trade exchange surpassing $72 billion. Such exponential surges highlights the depth of economic engagement between both countries.

In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to the UAE, becoming the first Chinese head of state to visit the Gulf state in the previous 29 years. The visit helped lift bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.

UAE’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The UAE and China share deepening ties characterised by frequent high-level exchanges and improved political mutual trust, fostering bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors such as technology, logistics, organic chemicals, mineral fuels, oils and distillation products.

In the past 10 years, the UAE and China have been extensively involved in joint ventures (JVs) in the free trade zones through ports, the construction of unique export-oriented economic zones, and the establishment of industrial projects.

One of the key projects binding the UAE and China together stronger is Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Gulf region is, undoubtedly, playing a significant part in the BRI due to its geographic location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

UAE has a head start on its neighbours

The UAE is also playing a notable role in the ambitious BRI project. The country is optimally positioned to lead the BRI nations in the Gulf and solidify its position as the region’s commercial hub and entryway to Africa, reported China Briefing.

The UAE has a head start on its neighbours. More than any other Gulf state, the Emirates has benefited from import, export and re-export opportunities. The country has made significant investments in infrastructure, leading to extremely busy airports and seaports.

Dubai’s DXB Airport has long been one of the busiest airports across the globe. Other important airports in the country include the Abu Dhabi Airport, serving as to home base for Etihad Airways, and the Dubai Al Maktoum Airport, mostly used for cargo flights into Dubai.

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah: A Fusion of Heritage and Opulence

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah, known for its cultural and historical value, usher in a new age of opulent living. In the center of Diriyah, this partnership between the Diriyah Company and Marriott's Ritz-Carlton establishes a previously unheard-of benchmark for luxurious living. Inspired by the Najdi legacy, the houses offer occupants a distinctive and immersive cultural experience by skillfully fusing traditional charm with contemporary facilities. These villas prioritize well-being and create a pleasant environment for dynamic living. They are designed to adapt to varied tastes and lifestyles, with six unique layouts and a range of interior designs. Part of the Diriyah Company's ambitious development plan, The Ritz-Carlton Residences are located in the heart of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including At-Turaif as its focal point. The objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 are perfectly aligned with this concept, which has over 20,000 residential units...

Dubai ranks 6th on list of top trending holiday destinations for 2025

Dubai has just been ranked an incredible 6th place among the top trending destinations. One of the leading hospitality groups has released a report, detailing tourism trends and top destinations for 2025. Dubai secured a score of 93.13 out of 100, ranking higher than the Bahamas, London, Bali, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Paris, Madagascar and Orlando. The presence of the city's name on the list is unsurprising, though. Dubai has turned into one of the leading tourist hotspots in recent years. Millions of tourists from across the globe flock to the city each year, lured by its dazzling skyline and futuristic yet traditional vibe. The detailed report also highlighted some of the key tourist trends of 2024, such as the use of artificial intelligence in the tourism industry has increased significantly in the past 12 months. This concept is popularly called ai-tinerary.

gulfindependentnews

Search This Blog