- Kuwait’s strategic location and growing economy are attracting greater interest from Emirati companies, with bilateral trade reaching AED 55.5 billion in 2025, up 11.3 percent, as both sides seek to expand investment and private-sector cooperation; with further opportunities seen across logistics, AI, energy, tourism and finance.
The UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, has affirmed the strength and continued growth of economic and trade relations between the two countries, describing the Kuwaiti market as one of the region’s most important and promising investment destinations. He said the UAE is keen to deepen investments and expand the presence of Emirati companies in Kuwait.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of Emirati companies operating in Kuwait, Al Neyadi said bilateral trade reached approximately AED 55.5 billion in 2025, marking an 11.3 percent increase compared with 2024. The meeting, organized by the UAE Embassy twice a year over the past four years, provides companies with an opportunity to discuss their operations, projects, future plans and challenges in the Kuwaiti market.
The ambassador said UAE imports from Kuwait rose 17 percent in 2025, while re-exports increased by 3 percent. Bilateral trade reached about AED 13 billion during the first quarter of 2026, broadly matching the level recorded during the same period last year. Although second-quarter figures were not yet available, he expressed confidence that trade would continue to grow.
Al Neyadi highlighted the Kuwaiti market’s potential across a wide range of sectors, including industry, logistics, energy, artificial intelligence, food, construction, finance and banking, tourism and hospitality, shipbuilding, shipping, transport and warehousing. He said Kuwait’s strategic location and proximity to several regional markets further strengthen its appeal as a commercial, investment and logistics hub.
Addressing disruptions to shipping and maritime transport during the regional conflict and attacks affecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the ambassador said the UAE’s port network had helped support the continuity of shipping operations to regional ports. He said this contributed to strengthening supply chains and maintaining the flow of imports and exports.
Al Neyadi also encouraged stronger cooperation between Emirati and Kuwaiti companies, saying new UAE firms were participating in the meeting and that more companies were expected to enter the Kuwaiti market. He stressed that the embassy would continue serving as a link between Emirati businesses and relevant Kuwaiti authorities, helping address challenges and facilitate their operations.
He described the private sectors in both countries as dynamic and ambitious and said their growing cooperation could drive further economic and trade expansion. He also noted that the UAE market remains open to Kuwaiti companies, with the country’s economic partnership agreements covering around 37 global markets, potentially providing Kuwaiti businesses with opportunities to expand internationally through the UAE.
Regarding future cooperation, he referred to the joint high-level committee’s meeting in Kuwait on January 6 and highlighted the potential for further Emirati investment in areas such as ports, AI, tourism and hospitality. He also underscored the importance of Kuwait’s strategic position and invited participation in a regional water conference to be held in December in partnership between the UAE and Senegal.
