Ahmed bin Saud Attends Huawei's 2025 Middle East and Africa Ecosystem Summit
Ras Al Khaimah is hosting a major portion of Huawei's Middle East and Africa Ecosystem Summit 2025, bringing together top executives, investors, and officials from the UAE, China, and across the region. The move signals the emirate's push to become a key player in the global digital economy while strengthening ties with major tech companies.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, attended the summit and emphasized the emirate's commitment to building a diversified economy. He said the event represents a new milestone in productive cooperation with leading global technology companies.
The summit runs until November 7 in Ras Al Khaimah, with events at the DoubleTree by Hilton Al Marjan Island conference center. The broader program extends until November 8, split between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
More than 150 Chinese investors and business leaders are participating, representing technology, tourism, financial services, real estate, telecommunications, and e-commerce sectors. Government representatives and national companies are also attending, showing Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as a platform for economic partnerships and quality investments.
**Economic diversification takes center stage**
The emirate is using this summit to showcase its vision for economic diversification beyond traditional sectors. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that innovation investment and expanding partnerships with international institutions form core pillars of Ras Al Khaimah's future strategy.
The program focuses on strengthening economic cooperation between the UAE and China, particularly in innovation and modern technology sectors. Business opportunities in the emirate and future projects are being showcased through dialogue sessions, workshops, and cultural activities that highlight Emirati identity and Ras Al Khaimah's natural and tourism landmarks.
**What this means for investors**
For the business community, this summit represents Ras Al Khaimah's serious intent to compete with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a regional business hub. The emirate is positioning itself as a destination where global companies can establish operations while accessing both regional markets and Chinese investment capital.
The focus on technology sectors is particularly significant. As the UAE continues its digital transformation push, smaller emirates like Ras Al Khaimah are carving out niches in specific tech areas rather than trying to compete directly with established financial centers.
The Chinese business delegation's size and diversity suggests real commercial interest beyond ceremonial partnerships. With over 150 participants across multiple sectors, there's potential for concrete investment commitments and joint ventures to emerge from these discussions.
This summit also reflects broader UAE-China economic relations, which have grown substantially over the past decade. China is now one of the UAE's largest trading partners, and events like this help smaller emirates tap into that relationship for their own development goals.
Layla Al Mansoori