During the forum, participants engaged in discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global financial, trade and technology hub
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai recently took place, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi, as part of its efforts to enhance economic partnerships with China.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in partnership with ADGM, the forum brought together business leaders and investors to explore the emirate’s growth potential. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East and North Africa, Abu Dhabi has increasingly become a key destination for international investments.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed a strategic partnership with Fosun International Limited, a global innovation-driven consumer group, to accelerate the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East.
ADIO also signed a strategic partnership with Wind Information, China’s leading financial information services provider, to enhance investment intelligence and deepen economic ties between Abu Dhabi and China.
Forum highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal among investors
During the forum, participants engaged in discussions on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global financial, trade and technology hub. Experts analyzed the emirate’s economic competitiveness and highlighted its strategic position in global capital flows, emphasizing its stable economic environment, flexible regulatory framework and well-developed financial infrastructure, which make it an attractive destination for investors worldwide.
The discussions also addressed Abu Dhabi’s expanding role in facilitating international trade and strengthening global supply chains. In addition, participants explored the emirate’s rapid advancements in technological innovation, particularly in financial technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital transformation.
UAE, China companies hold bilateral meetings
The forum also examined strategies to support startups and enhance the investment climate in Abu Dhabi. With its advanced infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and various incentives, the emirate continues attracting foreign direct investment. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of Abu Dhabi’s financial technology, AI and blockchain sectors, contributing to its competitive business environment.
Moreover, the forum showcased Abu Dhabi’s efforts to develop its entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing integrated workspaces, startup support programs, and financial incentives that enable businesses to expand into regional and global markets. Participants also discussed initiatives to foster public-private partnerships to create a sustainable business environment that encourages innovation and technological development.
The event featured a series of bilateral meetings and business networking sessions between companies from the UAE and China, focusing on collaboration opportunities in key sectors such as technology, financial services, healthcare and trade. The forum marked a significant step in strengthening economic ties between Abu Dhabi and China in innovation and investment, supporting sustainable development and positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global business and technology hub.
Trade, investment ties flourish
The UAE and China’s economic partnership continues to flourish, with over 14,500 Chinese business licenses issued in the UAE. Additionally, China ranks as the UAE’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment at $6.3 billion, while the total investments between the two countries surged to $15 billion in 2022.
Between 2003 and 2023, the UAE’s investment flows to China amounted to $11.9 billion, covering sectors such as telecommunications, renewable energy, transport and storage, hotels and tourism, and rubber. Meanwhile, Chinese investment flows to the UAE totaled $7.7 billion during the same period.
China is also the UAE’s largest trading partner in the Arab world for non-oil trade, while the UAE is China’s top Arab trading partner. Non-oil trade between the two countries surpassed $50 billion in the first half of 2024, with projections exceeding $100 billion by year-end.
The volume of trade exchange between the UAE and China has risen 800-fold since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries is set to reach $200 billion by 2030.
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ADIO inks two strategic partnerships
On the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, ADIO signed an agreement with Wind Information. The partnership establishes Wind Information as ADIO’s preferred knowledge partner in China, providing investors greater access to the thriving investment landscapes of both Abu Dhabi and China.
By enhancing the exchange of financial market intelligence and investment insights, the collaboration aims to support Chinese investors and family offices, in both Abu Dhabi and China, with in-depth research and analysis on key market opportunities.
Wind Information will actively connect ADIO with major investors and financial institutions in China, while ADIO will support Abu Dhabi-based investors exploring opportunities in China. Additionally, the two organizations will also co-host investment forums in the UAE and China to promote opportunities and strengthen ties.
Under its partnership with Fosun International Limited, ADIO will provide tailored investor support, streamlined market access and strategic guidance to accelerate Fosun’s presence in key growth sectors in Abu Dhabi, including wealth management, fintech, premium residential real estate and healthcare innovation.
Fosun International, a global consumer powerhouse with $13.4 billion in revenue in the first half of 2024 and over 110,000 employees worldwide, operates across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, tourism, insurance and financial services and intelligent manufacturing. By establishing Abu Dhabi as a regional gateway to the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, Fosun aims to tap into the emirate’s dynamic business ecosystem and substantial investor base.
Beyond corporate expansion, Fosun will collaborate with ADIO to attract global investors and family offices, in addition to supporting the development of Abu Dhabi’s economic clusters.