The 17th UAE China Export Brand Expo opened its doors on December 17, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking another milestone for Sino-UAE trade relations. With more than 2,200 companies from various Chinese provinces, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Shandong, participating, the expo is set to showcase nearly 100,000 new products.
Key figures such as Chinese Consul General Ou BQ and Dubai City Hall’s acting Mayor Marwan bin Galita attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the importance of this event. "This expo has become an important platform for Chinese enterprises to explore markets and for merchants from the Middle East to procure Chinese products," stated Ou during the opening remarks.
Notably, the expo follows the '1+N' exhibition model, comprised of eight specialized industry events concurrently running, focusing on enhancing China-Arab trade potential. Activities throughout the event include forums such as the China-UAE Textile Business Forum, facilitating business opportunities for involved parties.
While the expo highlights exports, another notable development occurred on the same day: Meituan’s drone service received the UAE’s first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial operating permit. The launch ceremony, unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, signals Dubai's commitment to advanced technology and innovation.
Following the successful testing of their delivery routes with partners including the Al-Fakih Hospital and Rochester Institute of Technology’s Dubai campus, Meituan is prepared to offer novel drone delivery for items ranging from fast food to emergency pharmaceuticals. Sheikh Hamdan remarked, "Dubai will continue to support the development of projects through advanced technology to create a diverse and flexible digital economy," emphasizing the forward-thinking nature of Dubai's logistical capabilities.
Adding to this momentum, Ohana Development announced its new luxury project ‘Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living,’ developed alongside the luxury brand Jacob & Co. This initiative aims to redefine luxury living experiences along the coast between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Offering various accommodation options from one to six-bedroom units, this project integrates stunning architectural design with natural surroundings. The distinctiveness of this development is positioned adjacent to the Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to be the world’s largest airport upon its completion.
Husein Salem, the CEO of Ohana Development, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "The collaboration with Jacob & Co. marks a significant step toward redefining luxury living, embodying our unwavering commitment to creating extraordinary living spaces." This sentiment is echoed by Jacob Arabo, Chairman of Jacob & Co., who stated, "We believe in creating experiences beyond the ordinary, with designs inspired by our product range. The project will include world-class amenities, such as the Jacob & Co. Beach Club and spa, reinforcing our aspiration to provide unparalleled living experiences."
Reflecting on these simultaneous developments—showcasing exports, innovative logistics, and luxurious living—the UAE is set to strengthen its position as a global business hub. Not only do these initiatives promise significant economic growth, but they also demonstrate the dynamic shift toward incorporating advanced technology and luxury lifestyle options, which will be pivotal for attracting international investment and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
With these strategic partnerships and projects, the future of UAE’s business environment appears bright, as it continues to attract global businesses and innovate within its rapidly growing economy.
