The 3rd Saudi-China Entrepreneurs Forum

On February 24, 2025, the 3rd Saudi-China Entrepreneurs Forum was successfully held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum was co-hosted by the Society of International Entrepreneurs (SIEF) and the Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA), attracting nearly 300 government officials, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and financial institution representatives from both China and Saudi Arabia. The discussions focused on the expansive opportunities for Sino-Saudi cooperation under the frameworks of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

Key Guests: The forum featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, Assistant Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Chang Hua, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France and Co-Chairman of SIEF; H.E. Abdulrahman Belushi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Mining Enablement at the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources; Li Xiaojun, Chairman of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group; and Xu Zongjun, First Inspector at the Beijing Investment Promotion Service Center.

Key Discussions: In the context of Saudi Vision 2030, the forum explored Sino-Saudi collaboration prospects. The agenda included an opening ceremony, welcome speeches, keynote addresses, and institutional presentations, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation blueprint and investment potential in the healthcare sector. The forum also featured thematic dialogues focused on financial support for industrial growth, smart cities, and sustainable development opportunities, along with networking sessions to facilitate business connections and negotiations among attendees.

Key Outcomes: The forum provided a platform for business exchange and collaboration, advancing partnerships between China and Saudi Arabia in technology, finance, and healthcare. The Society of International Entrepreneurs (SIEF) played a vital role as a bridge, having already facilitated the entry of nearly 500 Chinese enterprises into Saudi Arabia and organizing multiple business events, injecting fresh momentum into Sino-Saudi economic cooperation.




Ten Major Institution Visits

UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

On February 28, 2025, a delegation of Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs visited the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). During the visit, Deputy Minister H.E. Osama Amir Fadhel provided a detailed introduction to the UAE’s $300 billion industrial development strategy, known as the “$300 Billion Action.” The core goal of this strategy is to drive the growth of the UAE’s industrial sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy.

In the meeting, Deputy Minister Fadhel presented the UAE's current industrial priorities and a procurement plan valued at $90 billion. He emphasized the Ministry's open attitude toward cooperation with Chinese enterprises and expressed support for the development of Chinese industrial and technology companies in the UAE. This exchange laid the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the industrial and technological fields.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

On February 27, 2025, the Chinese and foreign entrepreneur delegation visited the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and participated in a series of themed roundtable discussions.

Wealth and Asset Management Roundtable: During the meeting, H.E. Hamad Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of the ADGM, provided a detailed introduction to the ADGM’s positioning and functions. He highlighted that as a government-established international financial center, ADGM has a sound regulatory framework and a comprehensive financial service system. It has become a major global financial hub, managing large asset portfolios and playing a critical role in connecting various markets. Al-Mazrouei expressed ADGM’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Chinese financial centers, offering more choices for Chinese entrepreneurs in areas such as wealth management and family succession, and creating greater value.

Technology and Innovation Roundtable: The Technology and Innovation roundtable was co-hosted by HUB 71 and the Chinese and Foreign Entrepreneurs Association. HUB 71, a key tech ecosystem in the UAE, provides comprehensive support to startups in terms of funding, space, and talent, promoting innovation. The meeting included a comprehensive introduction to HUB 71’s innovation support system and featured speakers such as Rachel Hu, founder and CEO of CambioML (a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree), and Meenah, founder and CEO of Metric. They shared insights into the UAE's leading position in the global entrepreneurial environment and future disruptive technologies such as AI. They also expressed their expectations and visions for cooperation with China’s development and institutions in the field.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)

On the afternoon of February 26, 2025, the Chinese and foreign entrepreneur delegation visited the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a global leading energy group with a market value of approximately $11.7 billion. ADNOC possesses substantial oil reserves and strong production capacity, while also actively investing in clean energy, committed to achieving net-zero emissions, and playing a key role in the UAE’s economic development and energy transition.

The delegation first visited the Panorama Room, which provides a macro overview of ADNOC’s entire industry chain and supply chain. They then visited Thamama, ADNOC's strategic department for advanced technology and digitalization investments, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and quickly respond to market changes.

Thamama, as the most advanced hub, uses big data and intelligent analysis technologies to identify and develop hydrocarbon resources, as well as to manage and release more potential value from existing oil fields. During the interactive session, ADNOC’s Executive Office and Sustainability Director Mr. Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, along with relevant officials from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and senior ADNOC executives, had friendly discussions and business negotiations with the delegation.

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI)

On the afternoon of February 26, the Chinese and foreign entrepreneur delegation visited the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).

H.E. Sheikh Ali Al-Daheri, Vice Chairman and General Manager of the Chamber, warmly welcomed the Secretary-General of the Chinese and Foreign Entrepreneurs Association, Zhang Wei, and the delegation. Sheikh Ali Al-Daheri introduced that the Chamber, established in 1969, is an important business organization in the UAE capital, with thousands of members. It provides core functions such as business development, policy advocacy, trade promotion, and membership services. The Chamber also operates a business school, provides professional training, and has an arbitration center, creating a comprehensive business ecosystem that includes financial services and technological innovation to help members grow and contribute to economic development. Both sides discussed topics such as the development of SMEs in the UAE and Beijing, helping the UAE’s industrialization, and reached several cooperation intentions.

Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC)

On the morning of February 25, 2025, the Chinese and Foreign Entrepreneurs Association successfully hosted a China-Saudi business matching event and industry-specific seminar with the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC), focusing on sectors such as healthcare and infrastructure.
The Vice Chairman of FSC and Chairman of the China-Saudi Committee provided a detailed explanation of FSC’s functions and contributions, emphasizing its key role in advancing Saudi Arabia's business environment and enhancing the private sector’s contribution to the national economic growth.

During the nearly three-hour business matching session, both sides showed strong interest, especially in discussions on infrastructure construction, modular buildings, and workforce development. FSC expressed its intention to organize a Saudi business delegation to visit China and to provide a quality platform for business exchanges and cooperation through regular seminars.

BGI Genomics and Saudi Cooperation on the GenaIive Project

On the morning of February 23, the Chinese and foreign entrepreneur delegation visited the BGI Genomics cooperation project base in Riyadh to learn about key areas of healthcare reform under Saudi Arabia's “Vision 2030” plan and to gain insights from BGI’s valuable overseas experience. This experience included adapting to policies and regulations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, cultural integration, and overcoming common challenges such as market access, talent recruitment, and technology localization.

BGI Genomics, a global leader in precision medicine solutions, is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company focuses on genomic research and applications, with its technologies and products leading in several fields. The GenaIive project, a large-scale, technologically advanced independent clinical laboratory in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, is jointly established by BGI Genomics’ fully owned subsidiary and a well-known Saudi medical enterprise.

Mukaab, Saudi Arabia

On the morning of February 23, the Chinese and foreign entrepreneur delegation visited Mukaab, a mega development project in the northwest of Riyadh, managed by a company under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The goal of the project is to build the world’s largest single building and a modern city center. The core structure of Mukaab is a gigantic cubic skyscraper, with an expansive interior capable of housing 20 Empire State Buildings. The development plans include numerous residential, hotel, retail, and office spaces, along with many entertainment and cultural venues. The unique design combines traditional and futuristic elements, with triangular patterns on the exterior displaying a brilliant golden hue, and features holographic effects and digital virtual technologies that offer an immersive experience, making it feel as though one is in the future world. Attendees engaged in in-depth communication with developers and general contractors, discussing the potential for diverse cooperation.

Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL Group)

On the morning of February 24, the financial group of the delegation visited the Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL Group). The Saudi Stock Exchange is the official securities exchange of Saudi Arabia and the largest exchange in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. It offers a diversified investment platform for investors and plays a significant role in the economic growth and capital market development of Saudi Arabia. The delegation discussed several cooperation opportunities with TADAWUL Group, including Chinese companies listing in Saudi Arabia and issuing ETFs on the Saudi Exchange.

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Group

On the morning of February 24, the infrastructure group of the delegation visited Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Group. Established in 1994, Dar Al Arkan is the largest listed real estate company in Saudi Arabia, with extensive operations in multiple sectors and conducting business in eight countries. The company develops large urban complexes and collaborates with high-end luxury brands to create residential products. An example is the Shams Ar Riyadh project in Riyadh, a massive “New Capital City” mega-plan. Additionally, Dar Al Arkan has expanded into China, establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary and setting up a regional headquarters in Asia Pacific, focusing on collaborating with Chinese local companies to drive the development of the real estate and technology industries. During the visit, the delegation learned about Dar Al Arkan’s global strategic layout and innovative development concepts, observing the diverse trends in the real estate industry.

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)

On the morning of February 24, the delegation's innovation group visited the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). Established in 1977, KACST is Saudi Arabia's national scientific institution, primarily responsible for promoting science and technology development. It plays a key role in policy making and research funding management and actively engages in international cooperation, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ongoing advancements in science and technology.

Sino-Arab Cultural Activities

Silk Road Paintings, Together We Paint the Future Exhibition

As one of the key events of the summit, the "Silk Road Paintings, Together We Paint the Future" art exhibition was held, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural figures from both China and Saudi Arabia. The exhibition displayed works by renowned Chinese artists, including Wu Yue Shi, Wu Huan, Yin Yi, Chen Chun Yong, and Liu Chun Xi. These pieces not only showcase the unique charm of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy but also express the goodwill for friendly cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia. The exhibition used art as a medium to promote traditional Chinese culture and foster cultural exchange between the two countries, becoming a highlight of this year’s summit.

Islamic Religious Culture Explanation

AI Rajhi Grand Mosque and Diriyah Historic City allowed participants to experience Saudi Arabia’s religious culture and rich historical heritage. The Grand Mosque is solemn and magnificent, with unique architectural style, highlighting the sanctity and majesty of religion. Diriyah Historic City, on the other hand, is like a living history book, with ancient buildings and ruins telling stories of the past, drawing participants into the river of history.