On 1 February 2026, the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (also known as the South China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, Greater Bay Area International Arbitration Center, hereinafter referred to as "SCIA") organized the "South China Business & Law Forum – Training and Exchange for Enterprises in the Middle East" in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The event focused on the theme "Investment and Dispute Resolution for Enterprises in the Middle East". During the forum, SCIA introduced the newly revised Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China, which will take effect on March 1, explained the latest arbitration rules, and analyzed representative cases.
More than 100 representatives from 51 different enterprises operating in the Middle East participated in the exchange. Together, they explored legal risk prevention and dispute resolution strategies for global enterprises.
In 2025, China's outward foreign direct investment reached $174.38 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.1 percent. China has consistently remained the UAE's largest trading partner, while the UAE is the top export market and investment destination for China in the Arab world. To date, more than 16,000 Chinese enterprises have established operations in the UAE, with over 8,000 based in Dubai alone.
During their visit to the UAE, the SCIA delegation also visited several enterprises and construction sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as local law firms.
On the same day, Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, met with the SCIA delegation. He commended SCIA on its role in promoting international arbitration to help resolve cross-border disputes for Chinese and foreign enterprises and foster international economic and trade cooperation.
Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA, delivered the opening speech on "Enhancing Predictability Through International Arbitration in Uncertain Times."
Li Jing, a Senior Partner at Winson Partners and Legal Consultants in the UAE, analyzed common disputes and challenges faced by enterprises in Middle Eastern construction projects.
Chi Wenhui, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Development Department of the SCIA, outlined legal risks and resolution strategies for enterprises in the Middle East.
Cheng Qinlin, Assistant Legal Counsel of SCIA's Case Management Department, analyzed key practical aspects of international construction disputes in international arbitration.
Zhao Wenjie, Founding Partner at Winson Partners and Legal Consultants in the UAE, presided over the keynote speech session.
Shu Lingxiao, Deputy Legal Counsel from the International Cooperation and Development Department of the SCIA, moderated the Q&A section.
Representatives from different enterprises engaged in enthusiastic discussions and studied the SCIA Arbitration Rules.
The SCIA delegation visited the construction site of the Etihad Railway Station, which is being built by a Chinese enterprise in Dubai.
