Sheikh Saud leads high-level talks with Chinese companies

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, headed a delegation from the Emirate on a six-day visit to Guangdong and Fujian provinces in China, where he held a series of high-level meetings with business leaders and visited multiple top Chinese companies.

The visit sought to strengthen economic ties and explore new opportunities for investment and cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and China.

Sheikh Saud said: “Ras Al Khaimah’s growing relations with China are founded on a shared commitment to long-term cooperation, innovation and mutual prosperity. We value the opportunity to engage directly with China’s leading companies and institutions, exchange knowledge and expertise, and open new pathways for investment and collaboration. By deepening these connections, we can build partnerships that create lasting value and shared opportunities for our peoples.”

During a visit to UBTECH Robotics, Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and the International Relations Office of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah to establish a framework for collaborative advanced research, live field testing and operational deployment of humanoid robotic systems in the Emirate. UBTECH Robotics is a pioneering global leader in humanoid artificial intelligence and robotics.

Sheikh Saud also visited ARIDGE’s smart manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, following the company’s recent agreement with Ras Al Khaimah’s Transport Authority and Civil Aviation Department to enhance advanced air mobility in the Emirate. He toured the facility and its production lines, learning about the company’s manufacturing capabilities and technological developments.

At Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center (SUTPC), Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic cooperation in smart transportation and the low-altitude economy, an economic sector built around commercial, industrial and public-service activities that take place in the near-Earth airspace.

Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate on intelligent transportation, public transport, low-altitude mobility and AI applications, as well as explore the implementation of related solutions in Ras Al Khaimah.

In Guangzhou, Sheikh Saud visited the headquarters of Vipshop, a major Chinese e-commerce company, gaining insights into the business’s operations and activities.

Alongside these visits, Sheikh Saud held meetings with representatives from many other Chinese companies and institutions, including: China Securities International; ZTE; HOPU Investments; Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) and Full Vision Capital; Qilu Pharmaceutical; YXE China Railway Express; Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited; Canton Chamber of Commerce in UAE; China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC); Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC); AJT Group; Star-net Group; Xiamen Airlines; and Fujian Energy and Petrochemical Group.

The meetings covered a broad range of sectors, including technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation, financial services, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and energy, reflecting opportunities to deepen cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and China.

Sheikh Saud’s visit along with his delegation reinforced Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to building long-term international partnerships, strengthening its connections with major global markets and creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Guangdong Province in southern China has a population of over 128.6 million people and the largest economy of any province in the country, with a GDP of $2 trillion (Dhs7.34 trillion) in 2025. It is a major manufacturing hub, with electronics, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, high-tech industries, finance and real estate among its key sectors.

Meanwhile, Fujian Province, on China's southeastern coast, has a population of 41.9 million people and recorded a GDP of US$897 billion (AED3.29 trillion) in 2025. The province has a strong manufacturing base, with key industries including electronic information, machinery and equipment, petrochemicals and advanced manufacturing, alongside a growing digital economy.

Earlier, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi addressed the Ras Al Khaimah-China Business Summit in Shenzhen, which brought together almost 300 government representatives, investors and business leaders to strengthen economic ties and explore new opportunities for investment and cooperation between the Emirate and China.

Among those in attendance were Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Mariam Alshamsi, UAE Consul General in Guangzhou; Eng. Yousif Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE); and Daniel Sellers, FDI Expert for the Asia Pacific Region at the UAE Ministry of Investment.

The summit, themed “Together Towards Shared Value”, connected Chinese businesses with Ras Al Khaimah’s economic and development institutions, showcasing opportunities across established and emerging sectors. Discussions focused on how closer cooperation can translate shared ambitions into investment, commercial partnerships and on-the-ground projects.

In his address, Sheikh Saud noted that thousands of Chinese companies had already established a presence in the UAE, with more than 400 of them operating in Ras Al Khaimah. He also outlined the Emirate’s growing investment opportunities across advanced manufacturing, AI, digital technologies, renewable energy and logistics, emphasizing the importance of stability, trust and enduring partnerships in supporting sustainable economic growth.

Sheikh Saud said: “Our progress is measured not by short-term success but by the legacy we leave for future generations. We are building an economy that is resilient, diversified and integrated into global supply chains, while preserving the quality of life and opportunity that make Ras Al Khaimah a distinctive place to live, work and do business.

“As we build upon decades of close friendship, we look forward to deepening the bond between Ras Al Khaimah and China to ensure a future of enduring opportunity.” Sheikh Saud went on to highlight Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic position as the UAE’s Northern Gateway, connecting Chinese businesses with expanding markets across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, complementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The programme featured a fireside chat on economic connections between China and Ras Al Khaimah, a presentation by the UAE Ministry of Investment and panel discussions on investment, finance and trade. Sessions also examined how technology, culture and connectivity are shaping smart destinations and creating opportunities for business and communities.

The discussions explored ways to connect markets, create shared value and support long-term growth. Networking provided opportunities for participants to build relations and pursue potential business partnerships.

The previous day, Sheikh Saud met Li Yun, Deputy Secretary of Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Mayor of Shenzhen, to discuss further strengthening relations between Ras Al Khaimah and Shenzhen and expanding cooperation across several sectors of mutual interest, including trade, investment and economic development.