The UAE-Kuwait Week kicked off today with the aim of strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations. The two-day event brings ministers, senior officials and leaders from major Emirati and Kuwaiti companies together.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the event’s role in fostering long-term partnerships between the UAE and Kuwait. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significant milestones achieved in trade and investment between the UAE and Kuwait, emphasizing the event’s role as a key platform for further collaboration.
“Hosting UAE-Kuwait Week in Dubai reflects the ongoing positive developments in our relations, which align with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘Kuwait 2035’ visions for sustainable development and economic prosperity,” he said.
Non-oil trade grows to $13.6 billion
During his speech at the UAE-Kuwait Week, Al Zeyoudi underscored the strength of non-oil trade between the UAE and Kuwait, which reached AED50 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2024, marking a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2023.
He also noted that mutual investments between the two nations totaled approximately AED20 billion ($5.44 billion) by the end of 2022.
For his part, Ziad Al Najem, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce in Kuwait, reaffirmed the strong trade and investment ties between the UAE and Kuwait, emphasizing that the UAE remains one of Kuwait’s largest global trading partners.
He attributed the steady growth in trade exchange to well-planned economic policies and bilateral cooperation. He added that Kuwait-UAE trade relations exemplify Arab integration, built on a 150-year history of shared interests, and underscored the importance of further strengthening these ties to support development and economic diversification in both nations.
Bilateral investments drive growth
Al Najem highlighted the expansion of Kuwaiti investments in the UAE, particularly in real estate, services, financial investments and tourism, which led to the establishment of the first Kuwaiti Business Council in the region under Dubai Chamber nine years ago.
He also pointed to the role of Emirati investments in Kuwait’s economic growth, particularly in the maritime and air transport sectors, with 122 weekly flights ensuring continued economic integration.
During UAE-Kuwait Week, Al Najem added that several bilateral agreements were recently signed within the Kuwait-UAE Joint Higher Committee, covering key sectors such as communications, cybersecurity and information technology. A double taxation avoidance agreement was also established to facilitate the movement of goods, services, and capital.
Kuwaiti companies expand presence in Dubai
For his part, Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, director general of Dubai Chambers, said that UAE-Kuwait Week serves as a key platform for identifying bilateral opportunities. “UAE-Kuwait Week enhances economic prospects and fosters investment and trade cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait business communities, supporting sustainable development and creating promising opportunities and fruitful partnerships,” he added.
Lootah reiterated Dubai Chambers’ commitment to supporting the growth of Kuwaiti investors in Dubai, noting that 145 Kuwaiti companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2024, bringing the total number of active Kuwaiti companies registered with the Chamber to 776, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to 2023.
Lootah also invited Kuwaiti digital startups to showcase their innovations and connect with global investors at Expand North Star 2025, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors. Dubai Digital Economy Chamber will host the event in October.
Read: Kuwait projects $58.9 billion revenue in draft budget for 2025-26
Bilateral meetings to drive partnerships in priority sectors
With a focus on building long-term partnerships in priority sectors, UAE-Kuwait Week will feature numerous bilateral meetings between business leaders and private-sector officials.
An accompanying exhibition at the event features more than 25 entities representing leading companies and SMEs, with cultural and heritage displays showcasing traditional arts and crafts. Some of the major Kuwaiti banks and companies include the National Bank of Kuwait; Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company; Janus Henderson; Al Hashemiya Dates Company; Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways.
UAE-Kuwait Week will also showcase inspiring SME success stories from both countries, highlighting the factors contributing to their success. In addition, a conference will facilitate ideas exchange and cooperation in government practices and sustainable development, focusing on investment in key sectors such as energy, renewable energy, financial services, real estate, logistics, transportation, tourism, hospitality, and food trade.
