The UAE-Singapore trade partnership is gaining momentum as both countries explore new investment opportunities, expand private-sector cooperation and strengthen their economic relationship.
During an official visit to Singapore, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met with senior Singaporean officials to discuss opportunities for deeper commercial collaboration. The meetings focused on encouraging investment, developing business partnerships and identifying industries where both countries could benefit from closer cooperation.
The discussions come as bilateral non-oil trade reached $6.54 billion in 2025, representing a 25.3% increase compared with the previous year. The growth reflects Singapore’s importance as one of the UAE’s key economic partners in Asia.
For businesses operating in the UAE, particularly those involved in logistics, trade and investment, the expanding relationship could create new opportunities to connect with Southeast Asian markets.
UAE and Singapore Explore New Areas of Economic Cooperation
The UAE and Singapore are looking to build on their established economic relationship by identifying new areas for investment and business development.
During his visit, Al Zeyoudi held discussions with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry Dr. Tan See Leng. UAE Ambassador to Singapore Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Al Shaali also participated in the meetings.
The discussions examined ways to strengthen bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and support closer cooperation between companies in both countries.
Both sides recognised the importance of private-sector participation in developing new commercial opportunities. Rather than focusing exclusively on government agreements, the discussions explored how businesses could contribute to economic growth through partnerships, investment projects and knowledge exchange.
The UAE also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international trade relationships and creating opportunities for companies seeking access to new markets.
UAE-Singapore Non-Oil Trade Grows 25.3% to $6.54 Billion
Trade between the UAE and Singapore has continued to expand, reflecting stronger commercial connections between the two economies.
Bilateral non-oil trade reached $6.54 billion in 2025, up from approximately $5.2 billion in 2024. The increase represents growth of 25.3% and highlights the growing importance of trade and investment cooperation.
Singapore remains one of the UAE’s most important economic partners in Southeast Asia, while the UAE serves as a major commercial gateway connecting Asian businesses with markets across the Middle East.
Investment flows also demonstrate the strength of the relationship. UAE direct investment in Singapore totalled approximately $5.12 billion between 2021 and 2025, reflecting sustained interest in Singapore’s business environment and investment opportunities.
The latest figures provide both countries with a foundation for expanding cooperation into additional sectors, particularly industries connected to international trade, logistics and technology.
Singaporean Businesses Strengthen Their Presence in the UAE
Singaporean companies have already established a significant presence in the UAE, with investments spread across several important sectors of the economy.
Around 230 Singaporean companies operate in the Emirates, participating in industries such as real estate, hospitality, tourism, energy, telecommunications, transportation and warehousing.
Their presence reflects the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for international businesses seeking regional expansion. Its transport infrastructure, international connectivity and established commercial environment continue to support foreign investment.
For Singaporean companies, the UAE offers opportunities to establish operations that serve customers across the Middle East and neighbouring markets. Meanwhile, UAE businesses can use their commercial relationships with Singapore to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in Southeast Asia.
The growing number of business connections also creates opportunities for cooperation in supply-chain management, industrial development and technology-driven services.
UAE Free Zones Could Attract New Singaporean Investment
The expanding economic relationship between the UAE and Singapore could create additional opportunities for companies operating within the Emirates’ free zones.
Free zones play an important role in attracting foreign businesses by providing specialised infrastructure, company establishment services and access to international trade networks.
Singaporean companies involved in logistics, warehousing, technology and industrial activities may find opportunities within UAE free zones that support regional distribution and commercial operations.
The UAE’s strategic location between Asia, Europe and Africa also makes it an attractive base for businesses managing international supply chains.
For companies seeking to enter the Middle Eastern market, free zones can provide an operational starting point while offering access to established logistics networks and business support services.
Although the latest UAE-Singapore discussions did not announce specific new free zone investments, closer economic cooperation could encourage companies to explore opportunities across the country’s economic zones.
Private-Sector Cooperation Becomes a Key Priority
Private-sector engagement featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting both countries’ interest in turning diplomatic relationships into commercial opportunities.
Al Zeyoudi met with business leaders, investors and representatives of major Singaporean companies and economic institutions to explore potential investment partnerships.
The meetings focused on identifying opportunities for businesses to collaborate, expand operations and participate in projects that support economic diversification.
This approach reflects the growing importance of direct business relationships in international trade. Companies often require reliable partners, market access and investment connections before committing to expansion.
By strengthening communication between investors and businesses, the UAE and Singapore aim to encourage more commercial activity and create opportunities for companies operating in both markets.
Abu Dhabi-Singapore Cooperation Supports Broader Investment Goals
The latest discussions follow earlier efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
In September 2026, the 17th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum resulted in an investment cooperation memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent concerning a proposed industrial corridor between the two markets.
The developments reflect growing interest in strengthening industrial collaboration and creating additional opportunities for businesses and investors.
An industrial corridor could support closer connections between companies involved in manufacturing, logistics and related commercial activities, although its development would depend on future agreements and implementation.
For the UAE, closer cooperation with Singapore supports efforts to diversify international economic partnerships and attract investment into sectors beyond traditional energy industries.
Singapore, meanwhile, stands to benefit from stronger commercial connections with the Gulf region and access to investment opportunities within the UAE.
UAE-Singapore Partnership Opens Opportunities for Future Growth
The strengthening UAE-Singapore trade partnership reflects a broader effort to develop long-term economic cooperation between two internationally connected business hubs.
With non-oil trade reaching $6.54 billion and hundreds of Singaporean companies already operating in the UAE, both countries have an established commercial foundation for further growth.
The next stage will depend on how businesses respond to the opportunities emerging from these discussions.
Additional investment projects, stronger private-sector relationships and closer industrial cooperation could help expand trade while supporting economic diversification.
For UAE businesses and free zone operators, the partnership offers another potential channel for attracting international investors and developing connections with Southeast Asian markets.
The latest meetings reinforce a shared ambition to move beyond existing trade relationships and develop practical investment opportunities that benefit businesses in both countries.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – UAE, Singapore explore new horizons to strengthen trade and investment partnership
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – UAE, Singapore move to deepen ties in business and philanthropy
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – UAE expands its presence on global trade map, opens new markets for its exports