UAE Highlights Digital Trade at Global Expo China

Hangzhou, China – September 25, 2025: The fourth Global Digital Trade Expo opened on Thursday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with the UAE participating as an official Guest of Honour alongside Indonesia. The event highlights international cooperation in digital trade, emerging technologies, and innovation.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China; Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and head of the UAE delegation; Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, UAE Consul-General in Shanghai; alongside senior officials and representatives of government entities and national companies.

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In his address, Al Saleh emphasized the expo’s role in strengthening global economic cooperation, describing digital trade as a key driver of growth and sustainable development. He thanked China for inviting the UAE as the Guest of Honour and praised the organisation of the event.

Al Saleh highlighted the strong UAE-China ties, noting that the UAE is China’s top non-oil trading partner in the Middle East and Africa, handling more than 60 percent of China’s trade with the region. China has also become the UAE’s largest global trading partner, reflecting a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“The digital economy currently contributes about 12 percent of the UAE’s non-oil GDP, and we aim to increase it to 20 percent by 2031, strengthening the UAE’s role as a hub for advanced technologies and digital investment,” Al Saleh said. He also noted that the UAE was the first country to appoint a Minister of Artificial Intelligence in 2017.

According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, the UAE ranked 10th globally for inbound foreign direct investment in 2024, recording a record US$45.6 billion in FDI inflows. Chinese investment in the UAE totals around $9 billion, with over 16,500 Chinese companies operating in the country, many in digital trade and advanced technologies.

Al Saleh invited Chinese firms to view the UAE as a strategic hub for Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. The UAE pavilion at the expo features ten government and private exhibitors showcasing initiatives in digital transformation, AI, FinTech, and smart government services.

The event, held at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre, spans 155,000 square metres, making it the largest edition since its launch in 2022. More than 1,700 companies are participating, including 360 international exhibitors. Over 40,000 professional visitors are expected, including 10,000 from abroad. The expo will run until September 29, 2025.

The UAE continues to strengthen its global presence in digital trade and innovation, using international platforms like the Hangzhou Expo to attract investment and showcase technological expertise.