The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the world economy and the BRI. Nevertheless，China and Middle East and North African（MENA）countries have continued to promote the BRI cooperation under the whole-of-region cooperation frameworks. What needs to be emphasized is that the rapidly changing global and regional environment calls for timely adjustment of cooperation strategy to promote high-quality development of BRI. Shanghai plays an important role as a strategic linkage in the new development pattern，and a pilot role in the high-quality development of the BRI. Based on network centrality building，Shanghai’s cooperation with MENA countries closely focused on building of the new development pattern，and has achieved remarkable results in promoting sustainable development and digital transformation. Looking ahead，as the world strives for an early economic recovery，there is much to be done in cooperation between Shanghai and MENA countries on the BRI.