Short Description:
The UAE and Kuwait strengthen their strategic partnership, signing new agreements and celebrating over $13.5 billion in bilateral trade during a landmark Joint Committee session.
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3 minutes, 15 seconds
Main Article:
UAE-Kuwait Economic Ties Reach Record High as Strategic Partnership Deepens
The sixth session of the UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, has marked a significant milestone in the already-strong fraternal relations between the two nations. The meetings, held in Kuwait, coincided with the launch of the “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” celebration week—a direct initiative of the UAE President—underscoring the deep historical and humanitarian bonds. For finance and trade observers, the key takeaway is the confirmation of a robust and growing economic partnership between the UAE and Kuwait, with total bilateral trade surpassing $13.5 billion in 2024. This cements the UAE’s position as Kuwait’s top trade partner in the Gulf and Arab world and its second-largest globally.
The discussions highlighted a multifaceted cooperation extending far beyond energy. A cornerstone of this strategic partnership between the UAE and Kuwait is collaboration in future-oriented sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, signaling a shared vision for a diversified, post-oil economy. The signing of five new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and executive programmes further institutionalizes this cooperation. These agreements, covering consumer protection, tourism (2026–2028), standardization, integrity promotion, and public sector auditing, create a more integrated and transparent regulatory environment for businesses and investors from both nations.
For analysts, the relationship provides a compelling model of regional economic integration. The fact that two-thirds of Kuwait’s trade with GCC countries is with the UAE demonstrates a highly efficient GCC economic integration corridor. Furthermore, the UAE is the world’s leading destination for Kuwait’s non-oil exports, reflecting the UAE’s role as a global logistical and commercial hub. The advanced level of bilateral cooperation is also evident in sectors like healthcare, where organ transplant programs since 2021 have benefited 153 Kuwaiti patients. This meeting reaffirms that the UAE-Kuwait bilateral relations are built on a foundation of mutual economic interest, shared strategic vision, and profound historical friendship, now being actively steered toward the industries of tomorrow.
Short Summary:
The UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee session celebrated a historic economic relationship, with trade exceeding $13.5 billion. New agreements in tourism, standards, and anti-corruption pave the way for deeper integration. This strengthened UAE-Kuwait alliance exemplifies successful Gulf Cooperation Council synergy, focusing on future-forward sectors like AI and renewable energy to ensure long-term, sustainable prosperity for both nations.
