UAE and Singapore Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties with Focus on Private Sector
The UAE and Singapore are deepening their trade and investment partnership, with both nations focusing on private sector collaboration and exploring new economic opportunities to drive sustainable growth.
The United Arab Emirates and Singapore are actively working to enhance their bilateral trade and investment relationship, with recent discussions in Singapore highlighting a commitment to expanding economic cooperation. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Gan Kim Yong, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry, and Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry, to explore new avenues for partnership.
Expanding Economic Horizons
The discussions focused on exchanging expertise to foster sustainable economic growth and encouraging businesses and investors from both countries to transform investment opportunities into concrete projects. Both sides emphasised strengthening the private sector's role in driving economic cooperation.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE's dedication to deepening cooperation with Singapore in key sectors and building more diversified and sustainable trade and investment relations. He also engaged with Singaporean private sector representatives, including investors and business leaders, to identify new areas for mutual investment and partnership.
Current Trade and Investment Snapshot
Bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations reached US$6.54 billion in 2025, marking a 25.3% increase from US$5.2 billion in 2024. The UAE stands as Singapore's largest trading partner in the Middle East. Beyond that, UAE direct investment in Singapore amounted to US$5.12 billion between 2021 and 2025.
Approximately 230 Singaporean companies have established operations in the UAE, with significant presence in sectors such as:
- Real estate
- Hospitality and tourism
- Energy
- Telecommunications
- Transportation and warehousing
Questions, answered
- What was the non-oil trade volume between UAE and Singapore in 2025?
- Non-oil trade between the UAE and Singapore reached US$6.54 billion in 2025, representing a 25.3% increase from the previous year.
- How much direct investment has the UAE made in Singapore recently?
- Between 2021 and 2025, UAE direct investment in Singapore totalled US$5.12 billion.
- Which sectors see significant Singaporean company presence in the UAE?
- Leading sectors include real estate, hospitality and tourism, energy, telecommunications, and transportation and warehousing, with around 230 Singaporean companies operating in the UAE.
- Who represented the UAE in the recent discussions with Singapore?
- Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, led the discussions.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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