The China Digital Creative Association (CDCA) is a landmark civil society organization established to advance digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and the global digital economy.
Initiated by Mr. Chen Zhihua, CDCA was formally approved by relevant departments of the Government of Dubai and officially licensed by the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA). The Association was officially established on 25 January 2022 at Dragon Mart 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. CDCA holds a unique and historic position as the only officially registered Chinese civil society organization in the UAE, and notably, the first digital-economy–focused certificate issued by the Government of Dubai to a civil society organization. This milestone reflects a high level of trust, recognition, and strategic alignment with Dubai’s vision for innovation, digital transformation, and international cooperation.
The establishment of CDCA is fully aligned with the national digital economy strategies of both the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China, positioning the Association as a bridge institution supporting bilateral and multilateral collaboration. CDCA serves as a practical and forward-looking model for how Dubai seeks to expand, deepen, and institutionalize cooperation with Chinese business communities and digital enterprises. Today, CDCA represents a rapidly growing ecosystem of more than 1,000 members, including digital entrepreneurs, technology leaders, investors, innovators, and professionals active across the Middle East, China, and global markets.
CDCA is the first non-profit organization in the Middle East dedicated exclusively to digital technology innovation and development. Its mission is to connect leading digital innovation institutions, enterprises, and experts across the Middle East, China, and the world, creating a structured platform for long-term cooperation and value creation.
The Association integrates research and development, technology promotion and application, digital trade, professional training, and investment and financing into a unified cooperation framework. Through this approach, CDCA accelerates knowledge transfer, supports commercialization of innovation, and strengthens the global digital innovation value chain.
CDCA actively promotes international exchange and cooperation across the full digital technology industrial ecosystem, enabling cross-border partnerships, supporting professional innovation, and contributing to the sustainable development of the global digital economy.
To become a leading international digital innovation platform, empowering collaboration between China, the Middle East, and global markets, while contributing to the future of digital transformation, smart economies, and technology-driven growth worldwide.