With its glittering cities, palm-shaped islands and globe-spanning airlines, the United Arab Emirates has been a leading innovator in the Middle East for many years.

The oil-rich Middle Eastern state has become a cryptocurrency hub as part of its efforts to diversify its economy.

UAE takes lead on fintech

Investment advisers often recommend their clients take an adaptable approach to investing and diversify their asset portfolios, and this applies to countries as much as it does to individuals, families and corporations.

The gateway to Mainland China as well as the wider Asia region is a leading investment destination for the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia looks to Hong Kong

Environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) investing has moved into the mainstream and, at US$53 trillion, could account for one third of assets under management as soon as 2025, based on data from Bloomberg.

A city in the United Arab Emirates deploys Hong Kong firm’s technology for low-energy buildings and infrastructure.

Green proptech firm looks to Middle East

Business leaders from around the world descended on Hong Kong this week to map out a shared future in a world of realigning supply chains, a fourth industrial revolution and global desire to deploy sustainable technologies.

Forum draws 6,000 global business leaders focusing on the Middle East and a sustainable future.

Belt and Road Summit maps new world

The history of world trade has usually been an evolutionary one, with ports and transport routes forming and declining over generations.

Slashing shipping times and serving as a hub for Asia, Europe and Africa, the canal zone is developing rapidly.

Suez hub zone strengthens Hong Kong links

The Belt and Road Initiative has grown and extended rapidly over its first decade and the Middle East has moved into the spotlight in recent years.

The decade-old initiative is continually expanding and recently the energy-rich region has come into focus.

Belt and Road spotlight on Saudi Arabia

As the global trading environment continues to reshape following the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong exporters across a wide range of industries, including watches and jewellery, are looking towards the Middle East.

Watch strap maker finds widespread buyer interest in alternative materials at HKTDC events.

Time for plant-based leather

Leaders in the key Gulf states of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enthusiastically welcomed the 30-strong Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive Mr John Lee and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), underlining the city’s role to connect them with the world.

An enthusiastic welcome and intense interest greeted the Hong Kong leadership delegation’s visit to the Middle East, emphasising the city’s role as a connectivity hub.

Hong Kong ready to connect

Links between China and the Arabian Peninsula date back centuries – the Aladdin legend reputedly originated in China and marine trade with and through Arabia long predated links with Europe – so it is no surprise that Hong Kong reached out to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates after travel restrictions ended.

Chief Executive-led delegation strengthens ties between Hong Kong and the fast-growing region.

Hong Kong reaches out to Arabia

Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates are both gateways to and connection hubs for large, fast-growing regions – Mainland China and the Persian Gulf respectively.

Hong Kong delegation and UAE chambers explore cooperation opportunities in their respective fast-growing regions.

Gateways play to their strengths

In a fast-changing world the Middle East has become an economic hot-spot with many fast-growing economies which are rapidly diversifying beyond their traditional reliance on energy exports.

Hong Kong aims to strengthen its links with the fast-growing Middle East which is diversifying its economy from the traditional energy and petrochemical mainstay.

City sets sights on Riyadh

Hong Kong fully opened its doors on 6 February, admitting travellers without PCR tests or COVID vaccine requirements, reviving the city’s role as a global financial hub and gateway to Mainland China.

The city marks its reopening with the Hello Hong Kong series of promotions for visitors and sending a delegation of business leaders to the fast-growing Middle East.

Barriers down as Hong Kong opens up

Israeli start-ups and VCs are usually based around Tel Aviv area, but if you turn your look to the South you might be surprised to find a Maritime Hub in Ashdod.

The innovation solutions of Israel’s maritime start-ups from Ashdod Port were highlighted at ALMAC, with Hong Kong’s port appearing on their radar.

Innovation revolutionises port operations

Supply-chain disruptions driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated control measures severely disrupted computer hardware production, creating strong demand for cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications.

An Israel-based SaaS system developer is drawing on investment from Hong Kong to expand in the region as hardware sourcing difficulties boost demand.

Cloud lining for supply chain disruptions

Middle East nation is scaling growth under Oman Vision 2040

Oman seeks closer ties with Hong Kong to help transform its economy

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The ninth Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully on 12th September 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme &ldquo;Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road,&rdquo; the Summit marked the start of the next golden decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing together over 90 key government and business leaders from Belt and Road countries. Attracting over 6,000 business participants from more than 70 countries and regions, the event facilitated a record-high 25 Memoranda of Understanding (4 G2G, 21 B2B), positioning Hong Kong as a &ldquo;super value-adder&rdquo; and key dealmaker. Over 280 investment projects were matched, with more than 800 one-to-one meetings, while over 110 exhibitors, including a dedicated zone with 50+ mainland enterprises, showcased opportunities in trade and services consultation. The tenth Belt and Road Summit will take place on 10 -11 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre &mdash; we look forward to welcoming you!

Belt and Road Summit 2024: Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road

Dr Shaikha AlSanad of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) talks to the HKTDC at the Belt and Road Summit. The 9th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre place on 11-12 September 2024. Themed &ldquo;Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road&rdquo;, this year&rsquo;s Summit brings together more than 90 key officials and business leaders from Belt and Road countries and regions to engage in discussions on leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages to jointly explore Belt and Road markets and uncover cooperation opportunities.

Belt and Road Summit 2024 – Dr Shaikha AlSanad, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

In February 2023 the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) embarked on a week-long business mission to the Middle East, led by Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Over 30 business leaders from finance, logistics, technology and professional services joined the mission to Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The signing of 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during the mission signals new collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Middle East companies and organisations in business, finance, innovation and technology, sustainability and transport. By showcasing Hong Kong&rsquo;s strengths through business and official exchanges and proactive publicity, the mission deepened economic and trade relations and enhanced cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), helping Hong Kong attract investment and talent. It also solidified Hong Kong&rsquo;s role as the global gateway to Mainland China and a leading business and investment hub in Asia.

Middle East