UAE-China talks focus on advancing energy cooperation and sustainable transport goals.
Abu Dhabi: A UAE delegation led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, has concluded a five-day working visit to China aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation in energy, advanced technologies and sustainable transport.
During the visit, the delegation held talks with major Chinese companies to explore partnerships in advanced energy technologies, energy storage systems and electric mobility, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Discussions also focused on investment opportunities and technological collaboration to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of the UAE’s energy and transport sectors.
The delegation included representatives from Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and AD Ports Group.
The visit sought to deepen engagement with leading Chinese businesses across strategic industries, explore emerging technologies and identify opportunities for investment, knowledge sharing and expertise transfer in areas of mutual interest.
As part of the programme, Al Olama chaired a roundtable discussion in Shanghai attended by representatives of prominent Chinese companies.
Clean energy and smart mobility partnerships
The Shanghai roundtable focused on potential cooperation and investment in clean energy, hydrogen, nuclear power, energy storage and smart mobility.
Participants also discussed opportunities to develop joint projects, facilitate technology transfer and attract additional Chinese investment into the UAE.
The delegation visited the Port of Shanghai, where members were briefed on advanced technologies deployed at the Yangshan Port Phase IV container terminal.
These included intelligent operating systems, autonomous equipment and digital platforms designed to manage and streamline port operations.
Discussions during the visit also covered potential collaboration in smart port development, digital transformation and improving operational efficiency, with an emphasis on strengthening the UAE’s logistics infrastructure and supporting long-term sustainability.
The delegation held further meetings with several major Chinese companies to explore partnerships in energy storage technologies, next-generation batteries and electric mobility solutions.
The talks examined how these technologies could be introduced and deployed in the UAE to improve energy efficiency and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable transport systems.
Delegation members also reviewed a range of emerging technological applications, including battery energy storage systems, advanced electric vehicle platforms, mobile charging robots and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Other areas of interest included technologies for electrifying vessels and port operations, aimed at reducing reliance on conventional energy sources in maritime transport and logistics.
The visit highlighted opportunities to integrate these innovations into the UAE’s energy infrastructure, strengthen the resilience of its power systems and support growing energy demand.
It also explored ways to expand electric mobility across road transport, maritime operations and logistics, reinforcing the UAE’s efforts to develop a more efficient, technologically advanced and sustainable energy and transport ecosystem.
The delegation also examined potential investment and technology partnerships aimed at turning innovative solutions into practical applications suited to the UAE market’s specific requirements.
Al Olama said the UAE remains committed to expanding cooperation with leading international companies specialising in technology and advanced industries.
He emphasised that such partnerships are essential to building a more efficient, resilient and sustainable energy system, while strengthening collaboration between the energy, transport, investment and technology sectors.
Al Olama highlighted the importance of energy storage technologies and advanced batteries in supporting the development of modern energy infrastructure.
He explained that these technologies play a vital role in improving energy efficiency, meeting rising demand and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility.
They also contribute to developing more sustainable solutions for the logistics and maritime industries.
Strengthening international partnerships
Al Olama reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to building strategic international partnerships that support the adoption of advanced energy and transport technologies.
“We are committed to developing international partnerships that support the deployment of energy storage technologies and electric mobility solutions in the UAE.
“This visit provides an opportunity to explore the latest solutions and assess their potential application in ways that address our needs, improve energy efficiency and support the sustainability of the transport sector,” he said.
The involvement of government bodies, investment institutions and operating companies in the delegation highlights the UAE’s coordinated approach to identifying strategic opportunities and aligning emerging technologies with the requirements of key economic sectors.
This collaborative approach is intended to facilitate the assessment of investment and cooperation opportunities while supporting the practical deployment of advanced technologies.
The visit forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation in strategic industries and draw on global expertise to advance its energy and transport infrastructure.
By expanding partnerships, encouraging technological innovation and attracting investment, the UAE aims to enhance the competitiveness of its national economy while progressing towards its long-term energy efficiency and sustainability objectives.
