Abu dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Investment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keeta, the international subsidiary of Meituan, a global leader in delivery and lifestyle services, to establish Keeta's UAE headquarters. This initiative aims to accelerate the nation's leadership in digital commerce, technology-driven logistics, and AI adoption sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was officially 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 of Investment will support Keeta's market entry and establishment of its UAE headquarters by facilitating engagement with federal and emirate-level authorities to ensure a seamless transition. This includes exploring Keeta's eligibility for investment incentives in line with national frameworks.
Keeta is set to contribute directly to the UAE's economic vision by creating more than 350 high-skilled jobs and integrating over 5,000 UAE-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) onto Keeta's digital platform, thereby supporting SME growth and regional market access. The MoU highlights Keeta's regional growth ambitions, including a planned investment of hundreds of millions of USD in the UAE over the next three to five years, reinforcing the country's role as a key market for Keeta's expansion.
In addition to these efforts, Keeta will introduce advanced last-mile logistics solutions, such as drones and autonomous vehicles, to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency. The company will also launch talent development programmes and innovation workshops to support knowledge transfer and the creation of a future-ready workforce.
The Ministry of Investment and Keeta will collaborate on a joint communication strategy to highlight the UAE's growing role as a hub for digital innovation, logistics, and investment. Both parties agreed to consider additional areas of cooperation that align with the UAE's national economic priorities.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi emphasized the UAE's position as a global hub for innovation and commerce, noting that Keeta's new UAE headquarters and significant investment serve as a testament to the country's potential. He stated that the collaboration reflects the commitment to advancing the National Investment Strategy 2031, driving long-term economic growth, and supporting investment opportunities across various sectors.
Tony Qui expressed that signing the MoU with the UAE Ministry of Investment is a pivotal step in Keeta's global journey. He acknowledged the UAE as a leading regional power and a global hub for innovation, trade, and investment. Through this partnership, Keeta aims to align its business with the nation's vision, benefit from its dynamic investment ecosystem, and showcase capabilities in digital commerce and technology-driven logistics. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, empower local businesses, create high-quality jobs, and set new benchmarks for the future of the delivery economy in the UAE and the wider region.