UAE, Singapore explore new horizons to strengthen trade, investment partnership

UAE Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi engaged in discussions with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, and Dr. Tan See Leng, further exploring avenues to deepen trade and investment ties. The meeting, attended by UAE Ambassador to Singapore Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Al Shaali, delved into areas of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment flows.

Both parties emphasized the significance of knowledge exchange to foster sustainable economic growth and sought means to facilitate the transformation of potential investment opportunities into tangible projects, ultimately bolstering the private sector's role in driving economic cooperation. Dr. Al Zeyoudi praised the existing partnership between the UAE and Singapore, stating that strengthening collaboration between their respective business communities and empowering private sectors would unlock new prospects for companies and investors in both nations.

The UAE pledges to bolster cooperation in priority sectors and foster diversified, sustainable trade and investment relations that align with a shifting global economic landscape.

During his visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi met with Singapore's private sector representatives, including investors, business leaders, and senior figures from prominent companies and economic institutions. These discussions aimed to broaden mutual investment, identify fresh partnership prospects, and harness the full potential of both markets, reinforcing the private sector's pivotal role in economic expansion and market integration.

Notably, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Singapore soared to US$6.54 billion in 2025, a 25.3% increase from US$5.2 billion in 2024. The UAE stands as Singapore's principal trading partner in the Middle East, while UAE direct investment in Singapore amounted to US$5.12 billion between 2021 and 2025. Furthermore, 230 Singaporean companies have established operations in the UAE, with the leading sectors encompassing real estate, hospitality and tourism, energy, telecommunications, and transportation and warehousing.