Dubai EV Expo Launches UAE-China Smart Mobility Centre
Dubai UAE: The Dubai International Electric Vehicle Expo and Conference 2026 has launched the UAE-China Smart Mobility Centre, a year-round platform designed to turn UAE-China cooperation in green and smart mobility into concrete investments, projects and jobs. Announced during the event’s second day, the initiative aims to move the partnership beyond trade towards technology localisation, manufacturing and supply-chain development.
Organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), EV World 2026 opened on 10 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
The UAE-China Industrial Cooperation Forum on Green and Smart Mobility brought together experts and representatives from EV, energy and technology companies. Discussions focused on applying Chinese expertise in EV manufacturing, batteries, charging infrastructure, connected vehicles and autonomous driving, while creating opportunities for research, development and local partnerships.
Daoud Al Shezawi, Chairman of the expo, said the new centre will operate through three tracks: a single window to guide Chinese companies through licensing, vehicle approval, safety and charging requirements; regular matchmaking between manufacturers, fleet operators, charging networks, industrial partners and investors; and support for pilot projects in autonomous taxis, logistics, charging and energy.
Al Shezawi said the centre is a commitment to continuous collaboration rather than a physical headquarters, with progress reviewed at the next expo. He highlighted that non-oil trade between the UAE and China exceeded US$100 billion last year, growing 24.5%, and said the next phase will focus on practical projects across transport, charging networks, ports and aviation.
Conference sessions also addressed AI-enabled charging, vehicle-to-grid energy trading, cybersecurity for connected vehicles, electric marine mobility, renewable microgrids and energy storage.
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