The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has been named destination partner for the 19th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, set for October 2027 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Established in 1991, the convention will be hosted in the Middle East for the first time. The 2027 edition is expected to attract between 4,000 and 5,000 overseas Chinese entrepreneurs from across the globe, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a leading global hub for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The event will be supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB). Hosting the convention aligns with the emirate’s long-term tourism ambitions under its Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to increase annual visitor numbers to 39.3 million by the end of the decade.
The event is also expected to showcase Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure, diverse cultural landscape, and expanding portfolio of tourism offerings.
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of the 2025 edition of the convention in Macao, where organizers formally handed over the convention flag to Abu Dhabi.
The ceremony held at ADNEC was attended by senior officials including HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; HE Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE; and HE Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi.
The officials acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, and Tang Zhengang, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce UAE and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, in selecting Abu Dhabi as the host city for the prestigious global gathering.
The event is expected to play a key role in strengthening economic ties and attracting foreign investment into the UAE.
HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry Director General for Tourism DCT Abu Dhabi
“International events and conventions are a core pillar of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, contributing to broader economic diversification efforts. We look forward to welcoming participants to this prestigious event, which provides a platform to build new partnerships and deepen dialogue with Chinese entrepreneurs while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s exceptional tourism offerings, advanced infrastructure, and authentic Emirati hospitality. With new museums opening in the Saadiyat Cultural District and the announcement of major upcoming entertainment projects such as Sphere Abu Dhabi and the Disney theme park and resort, we continue to attract more Chinese visitors, particularly those seeking new business opportunities and distinctive experiences.”
Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, stated that, “China–UAE relations have entered their best phase in history. Abu Dhabi’s support for hosting the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention further demonstrates its proactive commitment to strengthening these longstanding bilateral ties. Hosting this landmark event will create a platform for constructive cooperation, deliver mutual benefits for both people, and inject greater momentum into global development through the engagement of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs.”
