AUS–PKU Summit explores UAE–China economic collaboration

The summit gathered over 500 leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore opportunities under the UAE Economic Vision 2031, focusing on trade, energy, and tech partnerships between China and the Arab world. Keynotes and panels covered China’s economic shift, Middle Eastern market importance, and emerging AI and energy tech collaborations. The AUS–PKU Summit highlighted the role of academic partnerships in research, policy, and sustainable growth, supporting new international economic cooperation.

Forging partnerships for sustainable development

The summit commenced with opening remarks from Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and H.E. Ou Boqian, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai. Both highlighted the significance of educational institutions as catalysts for long-term collaboration in energy, technology, and trade.

Keynote addresses were given by Reem Baggash, Deputy Managing Director at the World Governments Summit Organisation and President of the AUS Alumni Association Board; Dr Liu Qiao, Dean of Peking University Guanghua School of Management; and Dr Samer Saleh Kherfi, Head of the Department of Economics at AUS. Their insights highlighted the transformative potential of China–UAE collaboration through strategic investments and research-driven policies.

Panels on new energy and AI innovation

Two detailed panel discussions explored the practical aspects of bilateral cooperation.

The first, “China–UAE Collaborative Development in New Energy,” focused on grid integration, hydrogen technologies, energy storage, and project financing to advance regional sustainability goals. The second, “AI-Enabled Manufacturing Upgrades,” brought together technology experts to discuss industrial automation, smart factories, supply chain digitisation, and workforce development — positioning both nations at the forefront of the global digital economy.

Academic cooperation as a driver of progress

“At AUS, we see higher education as a driver for international cooperation and economic growth,” said Dr Salah Brahimi, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at AUS. “This summit showed how academic partnerships can shape policy, boost industry, and build links between the UAE, China, and the wider Arab region.”

Dr Liu Qiao, Dean of Peking University Guanghua School of Management, stated: “Collaboration between China and the Arab world is the foundation of the next era of global growth. By connecting academic excellence with real-world innovation, we can accelerate sustainable development and revitalise global productivity through green energy and digital transformation.”

About the AUS–PKU Summit

The AUS–PKU Summit was organised jointly by the AUS Office of External Affairs, the Department of International Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Business Administration, reinforcing AUS’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that connect research, innovation, and economic impact.