Opening Ceremony of the 2025 UAE Investment Summit (Investopia)
Investopia 2025 was successfully held in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to 27, organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy and other government entities. Major partners included ADQ, Mubadala, Standard Chartered Bank, EDB, and FAB. The summit attracted over 3,000 participants, including more than 100 globally renowned speakers from various sectors, who gathered to discuss key topics such as investment, innovation, and economic development.
Key Guests: The summit featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia; H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport; H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala Group; H.E. Mariam AlMheiri, CEO of 2PointZero Group; H.E. Burak Dağlıoğlu, Head of the Investment Office of the Presidency of Turkey; H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President; Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of ORA Developers; Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Investcorp; Shaista Asif, CEO of PureHealth Group; and H.E. Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and CEO of ADQ Group, among others.
Key Discussions and Outcomes: During the summit, 24 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, covering areas such as the new economy, circular economy, advanced technology, and entrepreneurship. These agreements included new collaborations with local, regional, and global companies, as well as six partnerships under the "Future 100" initiative to support startup expansion.
Significance for China-UAE Cooperation: Participating in Investopia 2025 provided a valuable platform to explore new opportunities for China-UAE collaboration and expand the influence of Chinese enterprises in the Middle East. The summit enabled Chinese companies to connect with international investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, fostering partnerships in entrepreneurship, fintech, green economy, and digital transformation in education. The discussions and agreements reached at the summit opened pathways for Chinese businesses to enter new markets and engage in international projects, strengthening economic and cultural ties between China and the UAE while creating mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides.
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.
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.
