The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has secured destination partner status for the 19th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention. The event takes place in October 2027 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Organisers expect 4,000 to 5,000 overseas Chinese entrepreneurs from around the globe.
The convention launched in 1991 and has previously focused on Asian venues. The 2025 edition concluded in Macao, where organisers passed the hosting flag to Abu Dhabi’s team in a ceremony at ADNEC. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, attended the handover. Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, offered his support for the initiative.
Strategic MICE Sector Development
HE Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi, participated in the ceremony alongside Dr Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Tang Zhengang, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce UAE and event organising committee, celebrated Abu Dhabi’s selection as the new host city.
The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) supports the hosting arrangement. This development strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. The emirate’s world-class venues and cultural attractions continue to draw high-profile international gatherings.
The event aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which targets 39.3 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. This represents over 50 per cent growth from 2023 levels. New attractions in the Saadiyat Cultural District, including upcoming museums, Sphere Abu Dhabi and a Disney theme park, enhance the emirate’s appeal to Chinese business leaders.
Economic Diversification Through Business Networks
HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasises the economic impact of international conventions. These events drive economic diversification and foster partnerships with Chinese entrepreneurs. Abu Dhabi can showcase its tourism infrastructure and business environment to this influential audience.
Ambassador Zhang Yiming highlights the peak level of China-UAE relations, noting that hosting the convention creates cooperation platforms with mutual benefits. Overseas Chinese entrepreneurs bring global momentum to bilateral business relationships.
The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention cements Abu Dhabi’s status as a gateway between Asia and the Middle East. Chinese capital increasingly targets UAE diversification opportunities across multiple sectors. MICE sector growth promises steady returns for investors tracking tourism infrastructure expansion.
Business networks multiply as policymakers position Abu Dhabi as Asia’s preferred Middle East hub. Deals in trade, real estate and entertainment sectors are expected to follow, according to industry reports.
