UAE Kuwait non-oil trade reaches AED 54.5 billion in 2025 with strong growth

ABU DHABI — Non-oil trade between the UAE and Kuwait grew strongly in 2025 and reached AED 54.5 billion, according to the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. This shows a 9.1 percent increase compared to 2024, showing better business activity between the two Gulf countries.

The minister said that shared investments between the UAE and Kuwait crossed $10 billion by the end of 2024. More than 60 percent of these investments came from the UAE into Kuwait, showing strong trust and partnership between the two sides.

He shared these details during the UAE–Kuwait Economic Forum held in Dubai. The event is part of the “UAE & Kuwait: Brothers Forever” week, which runs until February 4. The forum focuses on improving trade, business, and investment ties and highlights the long friendship between the two nations.

The forum gives business leaders and officials a place to meet, share ideas, and find new investment chances. Talks at the event included ways to grow trade faster, support small businesses, share success stories, and build stronger economic partnerships for long-term growth.

The minister also explained that the economic relationship between the UAE and Kuwait is not new. Kuwaiti traders were among the first to see business chances in the UAE many years ago, even before the country was formed. They helped grow trade and re-export business in the early days.

He said the partnership between the two countries is not only about money and trade numbers. It is also built on trust, shared goals, and close social ties between the people. Today, this partnership continues to grow with modern and diverse economic projects.

Officials said this year’s forum comes at an important time, as leaders of both countries want to raise cooperation to a higher strategic level, especially in trade and investment sectors.

Marwa Al Jaidan, Undersecretary at Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said UAE–Kuwait relations are a strong example of Gulf cooperation. She noted that trade between the two countries reached around $14 billion by the end of 2024. Tourism is also growing, supported by more than 170 flights every week between the UAE and Kuwait.

She added that the forum helps connect government and private companies and opens doors for new investments in key sectors such as industry, energy, advanced technology, logistics, and tourism.

Kuwait also confirmed its support for deeper economic cooperation with the UAE and other GCC countries to achieve steady and sustainable growth across the region.