The UAE Ministry of Investment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Keeta, the international subsidiary of Chinese delivery and lifestyle services giant Meituan, to establish Keeta’s UAE headquarters and advance the country’s leadership in digital commerce, logistics, and AI adoption.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Tony Qiu, Vice President of International Business at Meituan and CEO of Keeta. The ministry will support Keeta’s entry into the UAE by facilitating engagement with federal and local authorities and exploring eligibility for investment incentives under national frameworks.
Keeta plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the UAE over the next three to five years. The initiative includes creating more than 350 high-skilled jobs and integrating over 5,000 UAE-based small and medium-sized enterprises into its digital platform, strengthening SME growth and market access across the region.
The company also intends to introduce advanced logistics technologies, including drones and autonomous vehicles, to improve efficiency and sustainability. In addition, Keeta will launch talent development programmes and innovation workshops to support knowledge transfer and build a future-ready workforce.
Alsuwaidi said the partnership reflects the UAE’s role as a global hub for innovation and trade, highlighting the country’s infrastructure, regulatory environment, and strategic location. Qiu described the agreement as a pivotal step in Keeta’s global expansion, aligning with the UAE’s economic vision while accelerating innovation and empowering local businesses.
The collaboration further strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional hub for digital innovation, logistics, and investment, with both parties set to explore additional areas of cooperation in line with national economic priorities.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
