Chinese Firms Fuel Dubai's DMCC Growth Surge

DMCC, Dubai's premier business zone, is experiencing a significant influx of Chinese companies setting up operations in the city. In the past year, more than 16% of new entrants were Chinese firms, bringing the total to over 1,000. This announcement was made during DMCC’s recent roadshow — “Made For Trade Live” — touring Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, which are three of China's most dynamic tech and advanced manufacturing hubs.

This influx signals Dubai's growing status as a launchpad for innovation-oriented Chinese enterprises. For five straight years, DMCC has charted double-digit growth with Chinese businesses—19% in 2022, 21% in 2023, and 17% in 2024—showcasing a dedicated shift towards sectors like AI, blockchain, Web3, and digital architecture. More than 130 of these firms are tech-driven, contributing to a broader ecosystem of 3,400 tech companies within DMCC, providing an ideal environment for international growth.

The roadshow attracted over 750 Chinese business leaders, spotlighting essential sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and tokenized assets. It highlighted a shift in UAE-China relations from mere trade towards investment collaboration, innovation, and global market integration.

DMCC plays a critical role in turning bilateral momentum into viable business avenues, accounting for 15% of Dubai's foreign direct investment and contributing around 7% to the emirate’s GDP. With initiatives like BRICS+ and a shared focus on the digital economy, DMCC stands poised to catalyze the next phase of China's global business expansion via Dubai.