UAE-Kuwait trade surges 11.3% to AED 55.5 billion

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 15: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Kuwait Dr. Matar Al Neyadi affirmed the strength of economic and trade relations between the UAE and Kuwait. Ambassador Al Neyadi made the statement during his meeting with the representatives of UAE companies operating in Kuwait.

The UAE Embassy has been organizing this meeting twice a year over the past four years to facilitate communication with companies, listen to their feedbacks, and gain insight into their operations, projects, future plans and the challenges they face. Welcoming the representatives, Al Neyadi reiterated the commitment of the embassy to maintain direct contact with them, listen to their views, and learn more about their projects and future plans in the Kuwaiti market. He pointed out that the meeting took place after a period marked by exceptional regional circumstances and challenges that affected different sectors. He expressed his appreciation for the UAE companies’ continuous operations and investments in Kuwait, as well as their ability to overcome many challenges. He stressed that the embassy remains close to these companies, keeping its doors open to hear about the challenges they face and provide full support and facilities, within its mandate and in coordination with the concerned authorities. On trade growth, he stated that economic indicators prove the strength of the relationship between the two countries and its continuous growth, disclosing that non-oil trade has maintained its momentum over the past few years.

He said the Kuwaiti market is one of the most important in the region, as it offers promising investment opportunities in various sectors, supported by an ambitious economic vision and investmentfriendly legislation. He revealed that the volume of trade exchange between the two nations reached around AED55.5 billion in 2025 -- 11.3 percent higher compared to 2024, while the UAE imports to Kuwait rose by 17 percent and re-exports by three percent. He added that trade volume between the two nations in the first quarter of 2026 reached about AED13 billion — a level close to that recorded in the same period last year. He expects the trade and investment relations between the two countries to continue to grow in the coming period.

On the supply chain, he mentioned the period of conflict and the attacks by Iran on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz -- violation of the transit passage provisions established under public international law, and the impact on shipping lines and maritime transport. He confirmed that the port network of his country played a vital role in supporting efforts to maintain shipping and transport operations at the ports in the region, thereby, bolstering supply chains and sustaining the flow of imports and exports. He also pointed out that the Kuwaiti market is experiencing economic growth and transformation, driven by an ambitious vision and legislation that fosters promising investment opportunities.

He highlighted key promising sectors like industry, logistics, energy, artificial intelligence, food, construction, financial and banking sectors, tourism and hospitality, shipbuilding, shipping, transport and warehousing. He is hoping that Emirati companies will continue to strengthen their presence and partnerships in the Kuwaiti market, while citing the participation of new Emirati firms in the meeting and anticipating the entry of more companies into the market in the near future. He stated that the meeting serves as an ongoing communication channel between the embassy and the companies to review progress made since previous meetings, address remaining challenges, and identify ways the embassy can facilitate connections between these companies and relevant entities in Kuwait.

He disclosed that the primary goal of these meetings is to gain insight into the operating conditions, projects and opportunities available to Emirati companies and to encourage them to increase investments, given the importance of the Kuwaiti market and the opportunities it offers. Assessing economic relations and the latest coordination developments, he pointed out the steady growth in trade exchange in recent years and the numerous opportunities available to the private sector in both countries. He cited the presentations made by participating companies and institutions like First Abu Dhabi Bank regarding future opportunities and projects, reiterating that Kuwait has an ambitious political vision, supported by new legislation designed to create an attractive investment environment. He stressed that Kuwaiti investments in the UAE are long-standing and substantial, as they began in the real estate sector before diversifying to cover banking, infrastructure, and the digital and technology sectors.

He said the UAE market is open to Kuwaiti companies, offering them opportunities to access global markets and benefit from the economic partnership agreements the UAE has concluded with 37 markets worldwide. He added that these agreements provide Kuwaiti companies with incentives and opportunities that facilitate growth, expansion and access to new markets, using the UAE as a launchpad. Regarding the UAE investment opportunities in Kuwait -- specifically in ports, artificial intelligence, tourism and hospitality, he said the Joint Higher Committee between the two nations met in Kuwait on Jan 6. He asserted that such meetings convey a clear message encouraging companies and the private sector in both countries to boost investment and cooperation. He identified infrastructure, logistics, artificial intelligence and healthcare as key new sectors where the committee is keen to encourage private sector exploration and investment. He added that many projects require joint investments -- a matter that rests primarily with the private sector in both countries. He described the Kuwaiti and Emirati private sectors as dynamic and ambitious, capable of driving economic and commercial growth and contributing to the realization of the aspirations of the leaders of both nations.

Highlighting the status of Kuwait as a commercial, investment and logistics hub, he emphasized that its vital location and proximity to various markets enhances its economic and investment appeal. He indicated that proposals from companies like Aramex and Al-Futtaim demonstrated interest in increasing investments and expanding in the Kuwaiti market. He added that this interest aligns with the Kuwaiti government’s plan to develop the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, wishing Kuwait success in executing its economic and development projects. Regarding the participation of Kuwait in the United Nations Water Conference— an invitation he personally delivered to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he said the event will be held in the region for the first time in December through the partnership between the UAE and Senegal. He confirmed the growing importance of water-related issues on the global agenda.

He pointed out that as early as 2023, the UAE highlighted the need to address water-related challenges and prioritize the issue on the international agenda, having circulated a discussion paper on the subject during that year’s UN General Assembly meetings. He also announced that the embassy will host a workshop on Oct 7 -- in collaboration with the United Nations, Embassy of Senegal, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy -- to showcase the significance of the conference and the issues it will address. He stressed that Kuwait’s participation is vital, as water challenges are not confined to one country or region since it is a global issue. He added that the UAE is using modern technologies to help mitigate water scarcity and devise effective and sustainable solutions, particularly for regions with desertification, low rainfall and landlocked areas.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff