The UAE and Kuwait Sustainable Bridges in Economy and Trade

The UAE and Kuwait: Sustainable Bridges for Economic, Trade, and Investment Relations

The UAE-Kuwaiti relationship represents a unique model of deep-rooted and strategic partnerships between nations, as the two countries share a distinguished history of cooperation and integration.

Decades of Cooperation in Construction and Development

The relationship between the State of Kuwait and the Emirates is not a recent development, but rather extends back decades, marked by cooperation in construction and development. This has contributed to establishing a partnership based on integration and a shared destiny.

The sea formed the deepest link between the UAE and Kuwait. In the pre-oil era, the economies of both countries relied on pearl diving and maritime trade. Merchant vessels (dhows) operated in a single network stretching from the Gulf to India and East Africa. Kuwaiti traders were among the most organized in the Gulf and benefited from the UAE's ports, including Dubai and Sharjah, within a unified cross-border trade system.

The relationship between the two countries grows ever deeper and more firmly established with the continuous enhancement of strategic cooperation under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.

The historic statement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, "The UAE is for Kuwait and Kuwait is for the UAE," highlights the present and future of the shared relationship between the two countries, which is being translated into action through the continued strengthening of strategic cooperation across all sectors.

A Unique Gulf Model of Integration

The establishment of the Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait in 2007 marked the beginning of a new phase in the development of fraternal relations and opened broader horizons for strategic cooperation between the two countries.

According to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, the story of the enduring brotherhood between the UAE and Kuwait is not merely about flourishing trade figures or data on mutual investment flows.

It is the story of merchants who pioneered the strengthening of the relationship, a maritime trade route that united rather than divided, and a trust that transformed into institutions, then into a unique Gulf model of integration. It is a relationship built by ambitious individuals that matured with the establishment of the state and continues today through an advanced economy, without losing its deep-rooted human foundations.

Flourishing Bilateral Trade

Economic relations have witnessed continuous growth, reflected in the volume of trade between the two countries. Total trade over the 10-year period (2013-2022) reached AED 317 billion (USD 86.3 billion), comprising AED 63 billion in imports, AED 85.5 billion in non-oil exports, and AED 168.5 billion in re-exports.

Non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately AED 45 billion (USD 12.3 billion) in 2023 and rose to around AED 50 billion (USD 13.6 billion) in 2024. It further increased to AED 54.5 billion (USD 14.8 billion) in 2025, representing an annual growth of 9.1% compared to 2024.

Trade between the UAE and Kuwait reached approximately USD 14 billion by the end of 2024, reflecting the growing dynamism of the economic partnership. Trade between the two countries reached AED 27.1 billion (USD 7.4 billion) in the first half of 2025, a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024. It then rose to AED 38.8 billion (USD 10.6 billion) during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 7.6% growth.

The trade relationship between the two countries is characterized by its strategic strength. The UAE is Kuwait's leading trading partner in the Arab world and the Gulf region, and its second largest globally after China. The UAE accounts for approximately 22% of Kuwait's total non-oil exports and ranks third among Kuwait's import partners after China and the United States.

Mutual investments exceeded USD 10 billion by the end of 2024, with over 60% of that coming from the UAE to Kuwait.

A shared tourism route

Tourism relations between the two countries continue to grow, with more than 170 weekly flights operating between them.

The UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum, hosted by Dubai as part of the "UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever" week in early February, served as a strategic platform to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and explore promising investment opportunities across various sectors, including industry, energy, advanced technologies, logistics, and tourism. This supports economic growth and opens broader horizons for integration between the two economies.

The two countries share a common vision for developing and growing the tourism sector, which is a cornerstone of their development journeys. Bilateral tourism cooperation also represents a successful model for tourism integration and coordination within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The tourism sector is a fundamental pillar of the economic relations between the UAE and Kuwait. The number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting the UAE reached 400,000 in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 6% compared to 2024. Furthermore, the total number of direct flights operated by national carriers between the two countries reached 174 weekly flights, enhancing prospects for growth and economic, tourism, and cultural exchange.