UAE Investment Agency and Kita Sign MoU to Establish Company's Headquarters in the Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Investment signed a deal with Keeta, the international arm of global delivery giant Meituan, to establish the company's regional headquarters in the Emirates. This move brings hundreds of millions in investment and positions the UAE as a key hub for AI-powered logistics and digital commerce in the Middle East.

Investment Minister Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi and Tony Chiu, Meituan's VP of International Business and Keeta's CEO, signed the agreement yesterday. The partnership commits Keeta to creating over 350 high-skilled jobs and integrating more than 5,000 small and medium businesses into its digital platform over the next three to five years.

The timing makes sense for both sides. The UAE has been aggressively courting tech companies as part of its National Investment Strategy 2031, offering regulatory flexibility and strategic access to regional markets. For Keeta, which already launched services in Dubai and plans to expand to Abu Dhabi soon, the UAE provides a natural springboard into Middle Eastern and African markets.

Here's what makes this deal interesting: Keeta isn't just bringing traditional delivery services. The company plans to deploy drones and autonomous vehicles for logistics, putting the UAE at the forefront of next-generation delivery technology. This aligns with the Emirates' push to become a testing ground for emerging technologies.

The investment ministry will help Keeta navigate local regulations and connect with relevant government bodies. In return, Keeta commits to supporting the UAE's economic vision through job creation and small business integration. The company already works with around 10,000 restaurants in the country and operates a network of over 4,000 delivery drivers.

For investors and market watchers, this signals continued confidence in the UAE's tech sector despite global economic uncertainty. Meituan, valued at over $100 billion, choosing the Emirates for its regional expansion validates the country's positioning as a regional tech hub.

Al Suwaidi emphasized how the deal showcases the UAE's infrastructure, flexible regulations, and strategic location connecting major global markets. Chiu noted that UAE consumers and businesses are looking for innovative alternatives in the delivery space, creating opportunities for Keeta's advanced technology and operational expertise.

The company plans to cover all seven emirates by the end of this year, starting with its recent Dubai launch and upcoming Abu Dhabi operations. Both parties agreed to explore additional cooperation areas that align with the UAE's national economic priorities.