Chinese companies deepen Middle East footprint
Zoe Energy Storage to build Saudi battery plant
On June 1, Chinese energy company Zoe Energy Storage signed a joint venture agreement with a Saudi partner to build a battery energy storage system manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.
The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will have an annual production capacity of six gigawatt-hours and is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027. Total capacity will reach 18 GWh after the second phase is completed.
The project will become Zoe’s second overseas manufacturing base, following its facility in Hungary. It is also intended to support Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition and give the company a larger foothold in the Middle East’s energy storage market.
Energy China signs UAE power plant contract
On June 4, China Energy Engineering Corporation, also known as Energy China, announced that a consortium formed by its subsidiaries had signed an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the Taweelah C combined-cycle gas turbine power plant project in Abu Dhabi.
The contract was signed with a project company formed by Saudi Electricity Company and Sembcorp Utilities. It is valued at USD 1.69 billion.
The project is located in the UAE, with work including power plant construction. It has a total construction period of 32 months.
Transsion discusses Saudi localization with business delegation
On June 5, Sultan bin Mansour Al Saud, chairman and CEO of Saudi Arabia’s First Travel Group, led a delegation of Saudi business leaders on a visit to Transsion’s headquarters in Shenzhen.
Transsion founder and chairman George Zhu and the team from its sub-brand Infinix hosted the delegation. Discussions focused on building a localized ecosystem and deepening brand development in Saudi Arabia, with both sides identifying several areas of strategic alignment.
Economic and policy developments
Dubai plans smart medical visa
Dubai plans to introduce a smart medical visa as part of efforts to further develop its medical tourism sector, AGBI reported.
Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Dubai Health Authority have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at integrating residency, visa, and healthcare services. The partnership will support electronic integration of health insurance systems and introduce proactive patient services, making it easier for international patients to seek treatment in Dubai.
Dubai launches SME support platform
Dubai SME, a division of the emirate’s Department of Economic Development (DED), has launched a new digital platform called “SME in a Box,” offering entrepreneurs and small businesses access to services including banking, payments, and logistics, Khaleej Times reported.
The platform brings together multiple service providers to help businesses streamline operations and reduce the time and cost involved in finding service providers. Officials estimate that businesses could save up to AED 80,000 (USD 21,783.5) and more than 200 hours of administrative work through the platform.
The service is available to entrepreneurs of all nationalities, including companies registered in mainland Dubai and free zones.
DMCC launches acceleration program for member companies
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has launched a targeted acceleration program designed to help its more than 26,000 member companies reduce costs and maintain growth, Emirates News Agency reported.
The initiative includes financial incentives, fee reductions, and regulatory flexibility. Existing members can access discounts on multi-year license renewals and additional licenses tied to business expansion. Certain fines and administrative requirements will be temporarily relaxed, and more flexible office solutions will also be available.
DWTC Free Zone partners DHL Express to support SMEs
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has signed a partnership with DHL Express to support small and medium enterprises operating within the zone, Emirates News Agency reported.
Through DHL’s GoTrade program, export-ready businesses will receive training across 14 modules covering international logistics, customs compliance, e-commerce, and cross-border operations.
DWTC Free Zone said the partnership will provide more specialized international trade support to more than 2,500 companies in the zone and further strengthen its business ecosystem.
Saudi fund expands support for overseas projects
The Saudi Fund for Development is increasing efforts to help local private companies participate in international development projects financed by the country, Asharq Al-Awsat reported.
The effort is designed to help Saudi contractors, engineering firms, suppliers, and consultants expand overseas while increasing the use of Saudi products and services in foreign projects.
Tender documents will be made available through the fund’s website, alongside technical and logistical support for Saudi investors. Over the past five decades, the fund has financed nearly 800 projects in more than 100 developing countries.
IMF says Saudi economy remains resilient
Saudi Arabia’s economy remains resilient despite regional tensions, Gulf Times reported, citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF said Saudi Arabia’s strong fundamentals, diversified logistics, and oil infrastructure have helped cushion external shocks. It projects the country’s GDP growth at 4.5% in 2025, supported by the easing of OPEC+ production cuts and continued strength in non-oil economic activity.
The IMF added that Saudi Arabia’s low government debt, ample reserves, and large sovereign wealth fund provide buffers against external shocks.
Saudi non-oil private sector growth accelerates
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector expanded at a faster pace in May, with the purchasing managers’ index rising to 52.8 from 51.5 in April, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. The reading was the highest in three months.
Supply chain conditions improved as businesses relied more heavily on local suppliers, resulting in shorter delivery times for the first time in three months. Survey data pointed to stronger domestic demand, more normalized working conditions, a recovery in contract activity, and more stable supply chains.
Humain and Nvidia partner on robotaxis
Humain, the artificial intelligence company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, will partner with Nvidia to support the deployment of robotaxis in the Middle East, AGBI reported.
The two companies plan to develop the infrastructure, intelligent systems, and operational capabilities required for autonomous transportation, with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s autonomous mobility ecosystem.
Nvidia recently upgraded its Drive Hyperion robotaxi platform to support ride-hailing fleets capable of Level 4 autonomous driving.
Qatar updates business activity classifications
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced a three-phase update to registered business activities that began June 1, according to The Peninsula.
The changes are intended to align Qatar with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Unified Guide for Economic Activities Classification, improve data quality and transparency, and simplify administrative procedures.
The ministry said the update will not affect companies’ existing business activities or commercial registrations.
Qatar growth supported by diversification efforts
Qatar’s economy has continued to grow, supported by long-term planning, investment inflows, and diversification efforts, according to data from the Qatar International Media Office cited by The Peninsula.
Qatar’s GDP has grown 38-fold over the past three decades, while the economy has expanded at an average annual rate of around 6% over the past 15 years.
Outbound foreign direct investment stock reached QAR 210 billion (USD 57.7 billion) in 2025, up 8.1% year-on-year, while inward FDI stock rose 2% to QAR 165.4 billion (USD 45.4 billion).
Startup Grind Doha partners ArcPath Partners to support startups
Startup Grind Doha and ArcPath Partners have partnered to provide discounted operational support packages for startups in Qatar, Gulf Times reported.
The services cover company formation, compliance, human resources, payroll, and accounting, allowing founders to focus on product development, customer acquisition, and business growth.
Startup Grind Doha said founders increasingly require practical operational support as the startup ecosystem matures, in addition to inspiration, networks, and capital.
Qatar ports container volumes rise 44%
Container throughput at Hamad Port, Al Ruwais Port, and Doha Port increased 44% in May 2026 compared with April, according to data released by Mwani Qatar and cited by The Peninsula.
The three ports handled more than 73,000 twenty-foot equivalent units during the month, while vessel traffic also increased.
Mwani Qatar said the growth reflects the benefits of the country’s strategic location and expanding shipping network, as Qatar’s ports work to improve cargo flows, transshipment efficiency, and the country’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
This article was adapted based on a feature originally written and published by Al Shasia. KrASIA is authorized to translate, adapt, and publish its contents.
Note: AED, QAR figures are converted to USD at rates of AED 3.67 = USD 1 and QAR 3.64 = USD 1 based on estimates as of June 10, 2026, unless otherwise stated. USD conversions are presented for ease of reference and may not fully match prevailing exchange rates.