Abu dhabi: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the main international arm of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), showcased its expansion plans and strategic projects in the UAE and the wider region during its participation in the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026. The company highlighted its growing role in supporting infrastructure, transport, and major construction projects, as well as strengthening UAE-China cooperation in engineering, technology, and artificial intelligence.
According to Emirates News Agency, Duan Kun, Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company in the UAE, stated that the UAE represents a pivotal strategic partner for the Chinese government and state-owned companies, given its ambitious development vision and attractive investment environment. He emphasized the company's focus on deploying advanced Chinese solutions to support the development of infrastructure projects in the UAE and transferring technology, materials, and supply chain advantages to enhance the UAE's competitiveness in the infrastructure sector.
Duan noted the company's involvement in implementing the high-speed rail project linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as expansion works at Al Maktoum International Airport. He affirmed that CHEC's contribution to strategic projects in the UAE would elevate infrastructure systems to more sophisticated and efficient levels. Duan praised the UAE's open and encouraging environment for investment, reflecting the country's approach based on tolerance, openness, and cultural diversity.
Dr. Adel Hamam, Regional Director for the Middle East for Operations and Commercials at CHEC, told WAM that the UAE market holds strong strategic interest from the company's headquarters in China, ranking among its top priorities in the Middle East and globally. He explained that the UAE and Gulf markets account for around 30 percent of the company's total global business. CHEC operates nearly 150 international branches worldwide, underscoring the Gulf region's growing significance within the company's global business map.
Dr. Hamam highlighted that CHEC currently operates in nine countries across the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE serving as regional hubs. The total value of CHEC's current projects within the UAE stands at around US$10 billion, alongside projects of similar value across the rest of the Gulf region. He noted ongoing projects with major developers, including AD Ports Group, as part of the company's growing partnerships with leading national entities and institutions.
Dr. Hamam further mentioned that CHEC signed a preliminary agreement with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre on cooperation in artificial intelligence applications in construction and infrastructure. This agreement aims to enhance knowledge exchange and advance technical and engineering partnerships between China and the UAE. He added that CHEC recently signed contracts for the Dubai segment of the high-speed rail project, affirming that work is progressing according to approved timelines, reflecting the rapid development momentum in the UAE infrastructure market.