DIFC Strengthens Role as UAE's Leading Hub for Chinese Firms and Global Corporations

Post by: Elena Malik

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is now a very important place for Chinese businesses and big companies from all over the world. It helps these companies work in areas like the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. In 2024, more Chinese banks, insurance companies, and big businesses chose DIFC as their base. This happened as the UAE and China celebrated 40 years of friendship and strong relations.

DIFC has become home to many of the biggest Chinese financial companies. About 30% of the Chinese companies in DIFC are part of the Global Fortune 500 list, which means they are some of the most successful businesses in the world. Recently, the Bank of Communications opened its office in DIFC. Other big Chinese banks like the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and China International Capital Corporation are already working from DIFC. Big Chinese companies such as CNPC, Sinopec, NIO, and the State Grid Corporation of China have also set up offices in DIFC.

Chinese banks in DIFC are doing important work to support green projects. These banks issue bonds through Nasdaq Dubai, and the money raised is used for clean energy, seawater desalination, and transportation projects. Over the years, Chinese companies have raised more than USD 22 billion by issuing bonds through Nasdaq Dubai. In November 2024 alone, the Ministry of Finance of China issued bonds worth USD 2 billion. These bonds are helping to fund projects that are good for the environment and the region.

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The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which looks after business in DIFC, has seen more Chinese companies showing interest in setting up their offices there. To help them, DFSA organized a visit for Chinese companies that manage money and investments. This visit helped them learn more about DIFC and the opportunities it offers.

The Chief Executive Officer of DIFC, Arif Amiri, said that DIFC has become the first choice for Chinese financial companies and big businesses. He said that the relationship between the UAE and China has grown stronger, and DIFC gives Chinese companies the best support to grow their business in the region. He also said that DIFC’s strong buildings, smart systems, and clear rules make it easier for companies to succeed.

Trade and business between the UAE and China are also growing fast. In 2023, the trade between the two countries reached USD 81 billion. Experts believe this trade will grow to USD 200 billion by 2030. The UAE is China’s second-biggest trading partner, and about 60% of Chinese goods for the region pass through UAE ports. This shows how important the UAE is for China’s trade.

Chinese companies are also investing a lot of money in Dubai. In the first six months of 2024, Chinese businesses announced 25 new investment projects in Dubai, worth USD 122 million. Between 2003 and 2023, Chinese companies invested USD 7.7 billion in the UAE. Dubai is one of the top three places in the world where Chinese companies choose to invest their money.

DIFC is now a key place for Chinese businesses to grow. It connects China to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This growth also shows how strong the relationship between the UAE and China has become. Chinese companies trust Dubai and DIFC as a safe and smart place to work and succeed.

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