01 | UAE promotes manufacturing partnerships in China, with a focus on advanced industries

As of 2026-10-13, the UAE’s agenda at the China International Industry Fair sends a clear signal to Chinese manufacturers: the country is seeking investment and cooperation in advanced manufacturing, technology transfer, and regional production capacity.

A delegation led by Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, is attending the fair in Shanghai from October 12 to 16. It includes representatives from the ministry, EDGE Group, Emirates Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Emirates Global Aluminium, and Aldar, bringing together industrial policy, financing, investment promotion, economic zones, and manufacturing.

The agenda includes exhibition tours, meetings with Chinese manufacturers, and site visits focused on robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing. Chinese companies considering a Gulf presence now have a direct opportunity to identify potential partners and discuss technology cooperation. Before entering detailed talks, they should prepare a clear production plan, define the boundaries of any technology transfer, and map the supply chain needed to serve regional markets.

Source: ZAWYA, 2026-10-12

02 | Saudi Arabia orders 10 more inter-city trains, expanding rolling-stock and maintenance demand

Saudi Arabia Railways has ordered 10 additional tailor-made inter-city trainsets, moving the Riyadh–Dammam capacity expansion from planning into procurement. The order covers more than rolling stock: maintenance, heat-resistant design, and long-term operational reliability are also built into the agreement.

Stadler will supply the trains under an option attached to the initial contract for 10 trainsets signed in February 2024. The option is valued at more than SFr300m and extends the original maintenance agreement to cover the additional vehicles. Each trainset is designed for 200 km/h, accommodates around 320 passengers, and includes sand filters, protection against extreme heat, and multiple redundant systems for Saudi operating conditions.

Production will begin immediately after the first series is completed. The first trainset is scheduled to be unveiled at InnoTrans in Berlin in 2028, ahead of passenger service in the second half of 2029. For rail suppliers, the more relevant follow-on opportunities are likely to involve climate-adapted components, vehicle maintenance, and operational support rather than standard products exported without local adaptation.

Source: Railway Gazette International, 2026-10-12

03 | UAE AI adoption reaches 70.1%, creating a broad user base for enterprise applications

AI adoption among the UAE’s working-age population has reached 70.1%. Companies deploying AI tools in the market are therefore operating beyond the early user-education stage; the practical challenge is now integration with business workflows, data management, and accountability mechanisms.

Microsoft’s AI Diffusion Report for Q1 2026 ranked the UAE first globally for the quarter and identified it as the first economy to exceed the 70% adoption threshold. AI is already used across government services, education, healthcare, transport, and everyday work, while the country continues to develop related skills, digital infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.

For Chinese technology companies entering the UAE, commercial adoption will depend more directly on whether a product fits local data-governance requirements, integrates with existing workflows, and provides a clear human-review mechanism than on a demonstration of model capability alone.

Source: Gulf News, 2026-10-11

Other updates

  • 05 | OPEC cuts its 2026 oil-demand growth forecast to 400,000 barrels per day: OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said global oil demand is expected to grow by 400,000 barrels per day in 2026, down from the previous forecast of 1.4 million barrels per day, with some demand potentially shifting into 2027. (Source: Egypt Oil & Gas, 2026-10-12)
  • 06 | DP World secures a 15-year terminal concession in Bangladesh: DP World will invest more than BDT 10 billion to upgrade equipment, modernise infrastructure, and introduce digital operating systems at Chittagong’s New Mooring Container Terminal, while ownership of the terminal assets remains with the Bangladeshi government and the Chittagong Port Authority. (Source: Wedoany, 2026-10-12)
  • 07 | Saudi Arabia announces more than SAR 550 million in ICT infrastructure investment: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission announced the investment during LEAP26 and launched Saudi Arabia’s first fully carbon-neutral 5G-Advanced tower site, developed by Zain KSA in partnership with Huawei. (Source: Spherical Insights, 2026-10-10)
  • 13 | Emirates NBD turns customer documents into reusable onboarding data: Its Document Intelligence platform combines optical character recognition, machine learning, and generative AI to convert unstructured customer documents into validated, reusable data for onboarding, servicing, and compliance, with human review and data lineage retained. (Source: The Asian Banker)
  • 14 | Versatile International wins another Diriyah project-management contract: The company has secured its third consecutive three-year stone project management consultancy contract and will continue to provide design advice, supply-chain and installation oversight, and project governance across Diriyah’s portfolio. (Source: Construction Business News Middle East, 2026-10-12)
  • 15 | IHG signs a new Crowne Plaza hotel in New Cairo: IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Kleek Development for a 250-key Crowne Plaza in New Cairo’s Sixth Settlement, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2031. (Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts)

Last updated: October 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Project and policy details may change; refer to the latest publications from the relevant authorities and organisations.