36Kr Going Global · Middle East | Why is Dubai the Next Global Foothold for Chinese Tech Innovation?

This is a signed article by Saeed Al Gergawi, the Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

Saeed Al Gergawi, the Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

The wave of the global digital economy is bringing us into a decisive decade. Technological innovation is profoundly reshaping the world. It not only brings challenges but also breeds unprecedented opportunities. For countries eager to leave their mark on the future stage, they must act quickly, form alliances, and strive to become the makers of new rules.

It is a well - recognized fact around the world that China's technological strength is remarkable. However, we are well aware that even the most outstanding innovations need a stage to amplify their potential. This stage must have three pillars: boundless global connectivity, a clear and transparent policy environment, and easily accessible substantial capital. Dubai's mission is to build such a "super springboard". Our partnership with China has long transcended simple trade and evolved into a strategic alliance for jointly shaping the next technological era.

A City Built for the Digital Age

The "Dubai Economic Agenda D33" is our commitment to the future, which depicts a clear blueprint: to double the economic aggregate by 2033, increase the foreign trade volume to 25.6 trillion dirhams, attract 650 billion dirhams of foreign direct investment, and enable digital transformation to create tens of billions of dirhams of value annually. These are not distant visions but tangible goals. What supports all this is the world - class digital infrastructure, an agile and efficient regulatory system, and a business environment that advocates speed and efficiency.

The secret of Dubai's ability to attract talents from more than 200 countries and regions lies in its integration of grand narratives with clear rules. Our "regulatory sandbox" mechanism can not only provide protection for bold innovations but also build a firewall for investors' confidence and data security. In Dubai, speed and integrity are two parallel tracks.

We are the first city in the world to appoint Chief AI Officers in all government departments. This is not for the sake of a "first" title but a demonstration of our determination to ensure that institutional innovation always leads technological change. What we are building is an ecosystem where cutting - edge sparks can quickly turn into business realities.

China and Dubai: Strategic Partners Complementing Each Other's Advantages

China's advantages lie in its profound R & D foundation, strong engineering capabilities, and unparalleled manufacturing system. While Dubai's value lies in its unique hub position connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Our efficient logistics network and regulatory framework seem to be tailor - made for enterprises' global expansion. When the advantages of both sides are combined, a powerful partnership capable of leading the global digital economy has been formed.

The fruits of cooperation are clearly visible. At the large - scale global startup and investor conference Expand North Star, the number of Chinese exhibitors doubled in just one year (from 2023 to 2024).

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Expand North Star. A decade is long enough for a platform to grow from infancy to maturity and become the core arena for ideological exchanges in the global technology community. We are delighted to see that Chinese peers' attention is precisely focused on the key tracks that will determine the future: artificial intelligence, smart cities, advanced healthcare, sustainable development... This perfectly resonates with Dubai's key layout under the "D33" agenda.

The rise of DeepSeek is a vivid example. This young company, which once participated in Expand North Star, is now an emerging force that cannot be ignored in the AI field. Its growth rate has made the world re - evaluate China's potential and determination in AI.

Expand North Star: A Stage to the World

Expand North Star is the core engine we have built for global innovators. Last year, it brought together more than 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors who control over a trillion dollars in capital. Here, business cooperation, innovation project launches, and partnership formations can be quickly realized. For a Chinese entrepreneur seeking financing, eager to test products in diverse markets, or looking forward to establishing connections with global partners, Expand North Star is undoubtedly the most efficient gateway.

This is exactly why we can see more Chinese faces every year. They know well that Dubai is not only the entrance to the Middle East, African, and South Asian markets but also a golden passage to the European market. They also value the fact that Dubai's entire ecosystem - from cloud services to venture capital networks - is carefully designed to help enterprises achieve exponential growth.

A Sincere Invitation

Here, I would like to extend the most sincere invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors: The new era of globalization has begun, and time waits for no one.

Please bring your brightest ideas to Dubai, use the stage of Expand North Star to communicate with the world. In this city, which is itself a "laboratory" for the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, fully display your talents. Starting from this city that understands the global business language and is brave enough to embrace innovation and exploration, expand your business territory to global emerging markets.

The cooperation between China and Dubai will redefine the global standards for artificial intelligence, green technology, and future cities. Together, we will prove to the world that economic prosperity and moral compasses can point in the same direction; true technological leadership must be based on openness, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

China is a powerful engine driving innovation; Dubai is a global hub for amplifying influence. When we stand side by side, what we shape is not only the future of the digital economy but also its rules, its spiritual core, and the new heights it can reach.

The historical pointer always quietly points to the future before a consensus is formed. The prologue of the next - generation technological epic will not reserve seats for the hesitant. For Chinese technology leaders aiming for the world stage, a path to the global narrative has clearly unfolded at Dubai's feet.

At this historic moment of the tenth anniversary of Expand North Star, we look forward to standing side by side with you to jointly define the next decade. I sincerely invite Chinese innovators and entrepreneurs to join us and become core partners in creating the future.

Photo | Unsplash

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