UAE And China: Strengthening Ties Through Strategic Partnership

The bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the People's Republic of China are experiencing a significant period of growth. This expansion is driven by the strategic partnership guided by the leadership of both nations. The UAE and China share a strong bond rooted in cultural, economic, and historical ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1984.

The UAE's non-oil trade with China reached AED296 billion (US$81 billion) in 2023, marking a 4.2 percent increase from 2022. Consequently, China remained the UAE's top non-oil trading partner, accounting for 12 percent of the UAE's non-oil trade. Additionally, China is the largest import partner for the UAE, contributing 18 percent to its imports.

From 2003 to 2023, UAE investments in China totalled approximately US$11.9 billion, while Chinese investments in the UAE amounted to US$7.7 billion during the same period. Key sectors for UAE investments include telecommunications, renewable energy, transport and logistics, hospitality and tourism, and rubber.

The relationship between these two nations is historic and deeply rooted. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's visit to China in May 1990 was notable as it was the first visit by a Gulf head of state to China. This followed former Chinese President Yang Shangkun's visit to the UAE in December 1989.

Diplomatic relations began on 1st November 1984 when China opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in April 1985. The UAE reciprocated by opening its embassy in Beijing on 19th March 1987. Reflecting their high regard for each other, multiple consulates have been established over the years.

Cultural Exchanges and Education

Cultural relations between the UAE and China are flourishing with increasing exchanges of students, cultural officials, media professionals, and researchers. Since 1989, numerous agreements on cultural and media cooperation have been signed between both countries.

Education forms a cornerstone of their cultural relations. In 2015, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in higher education. This agreement encourages scientific collaboration and ensures quality education between universities and research institutions.

Tourism and Community Ties

Tourism significantly strengthens economic ties between the UAE and China. Over one million Chinese tourists visited the UAE during the first ten months of 2023. Additionally, the Chinese community in the UAE has grown to approximately 350,000 people.

The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies was established at Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1990. This centre has played a crucial role in promoting Arab culture in China and advancing Arabic language studies.

Belt and Road Initiative

The UAE is a strategic partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013. The UAE's strategic location makes it a vital hub for this initiative's success. The country has committed US$10 billion to a joint investment fund supporting BRI projects in East Africa.

Data from early 2023 shows that non-oil trade between the UAE and BRI countries amounted to US$305 billion. This represented an increase of more than 13 percent compared to early 2022 figures.

Continued Growth Through Agreements

The signing of over 148 bilateral agreements across various fields reflects efforts by both nations to strengthen their partnership further. These agreements cover diverse areas such as economic cooperation, cultural exchange, education collaboration, and more.

In July 2019, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited China marking another significant phase in their strategic partnership. Such mutual visits have solidified bilateral relations over time.

The launch of a Chinese language programme across schools in the UAE has attracted more than 71,000 students since its inception in 2019. This initiative underscores ongoing educational collaboration between both countries aimed at fostering deeper understanding among younger generations.

With inputs from WAM