Dubai and Hong Kong partner to drive cross-border tech expansion

Dubai CommerCity, a free zone dedicated to e-commerce in the Mena region and a joint venture between Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Group, has announced a collaboration with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL) to support technology companies’ expansion and strengthen business ties between Dubai and Hong Kong.

The collaboration will enable companies based in Dubai CommerCity to explore opportunities to establish operations at the Loop Hong Kong Park and expand into Hong Kong, mainland China and other markets.

It will also help attract technology companies from Hong Kong to Dubai CommerCity, where they can leverage its integrated ecosystem to establish and grow their businesses in the UAE and expand into regional markets.

The collaboration was announced during the Dubai Business Forum - China, organised by Dubai Chambers in Shenzhen, under the theme “Momentum at Scale: Accelerating Shared Success” in the presence of Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, and senior representatives from HSITPL and Dubai Chambers.

Lootah said the collaboration will strengthen connections between the two innovation ecosystems and create opportunities for technology companies to enter international markets. She added that the initiative supported the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness, attracting investment and advancing a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.

Vincent Ma, Chief Executive Officer of HSITPL, said the collaboration will help technology companies expand beyond their domestic markets by connecting them with expertise, partners and investment opportunities.

Under the agreement, the two sides will facilitate business establishment opportunities, access to entrepreneurship programmes, office space and support services, as well as connections with business partners and investors.

Cooperation will also include joint events, mentorship programmes and opportunities for technology companies to showcase their products and solutions.

HSITPL supports collaboration in research, development and innovation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, providing opportunities for companies to connect with the wider innovation ecosystem of China’s Greater Bay Area.

Meanwhile last week Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the first and leading free zone dedicated to e-commerce in the MENA region, and a joint venture between Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Group, has signed a partnership agreement with Tencent Cloud, to provide advanced cloud and digital solutions and support the digital transformation of businesses operating in DCC.

The agreement was signed at Tencent’s headquarters in Shenzhen during a Dubai CommerCity delegation visit led by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, who signed the agreement with Rachel Xie, General Manager of Tencent Cloud MENA and General Manager of Operations, Channel Development & Marketing of Tencent Cloud International.

Under the agreement, Tencent Cloud will make its products and services available to companies registered in Dubai CommerCity, helping broaden their access to cloud computing technologies and digital solutions, while exploring opportunities to connect businesses with Tencent Cloud’s digital solutions.

The collaboration will also include joint initiatives such as events, exhibitions, hackathons and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage technology adoption and strengthen engagement across the technology sector.

The partnership supports Dubai’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its digital economy and reinforce its position as a global hub for trade and business. It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate among the world’s leading economic centres.

Commenting on the partnership, Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, said: “Partnering with global technology companies is key to strengthening Dubai’s digital commerce ecosystem and providing businesses with access to advanced technologies. Through our collaboration with Tencent Cloud, we aim to equip companies registered with Dubai CommerCity with digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency, support innovation and enable expansion into new markets.”

She added: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to developing a business ecosystem that supports digital transformation and creates greater value for companies operating within Dubai CommerCity. It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and its ambition to build a more diversified, innovative and competitive economy.”

Rachel Xie, said: “We are pleased to partner with Dubai CommerCity to strengthen our engagement with stakeholders across Dubai’s business ecosystem.

WAM