Dubai will host the UAE-Kuwait Week on February 3 to 4 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. This initiative aims to enhance strategic relations between the UAE and Kuwait, drive collaboration across various sectors, and promote comprehensive development and mutual interests.
Jointly organized by the UAE and Kuwait, UAE-Kuwait Week is a prominent event designed to enhance economic and cultural links between the two nations. It highlights the deep-rooted historical relations that unite them, serving as a prime platform for exploring investment opportunities and expanding trade in key sectors.
Exploring new avenues of cooperation
The event will facilitate the exchange of insights on economic developments, paving the way for new avenues of cooperation and further strengthening bilateral ties. An accompanying exhibition will feature over 25 entities, including prominent companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), alongside cultural showcases that present traditional arts and handicrafts.
Significant state visit enhances relations
In November 2024, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted a state visit to Kuwait, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the fraternal and historical relations between the two brotherly countries. This visit pushes both nations toward new horizons of constructive cooperation in various fields, thereby reinforcing their strategic partnership.
Ongoing dialogue reflects close ties
The UAE and Kuwait maintain close ties across various levels, evidenced by ongoing dialogue and high-level meetings. Continuous ministerial and governmental discussions reflect the mutual interest both nations have in further developing their bilateral relations.
Strengthening cooperation through joint statements
The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, to the UAE in March 2024 emphasized the strength of bilateral relations. This visit culminated in a joint statement affirming their commitment to furthering cooperation for mutual benefit.
Additionally, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, made an official visit to Kuwait on October 8. This followed a nearly month-long visit by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, to the UAE.
Rich history of diplomatic relations
The two countries share a rich history of fraternal relations and social and economic ties developed over many years. Kuwait was among the first nations to establish official diplomatic relations with the UAE after the federation was formed in 1971, with embassies opening in both countries in 1972.
Commitment to boosting bilateral relations
The UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee exemplifies the dedication of both nations to enhancing bilateral relations. The fifth session of the committee, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, resulted in the signing of eight memoranda of understanding and executive programmes across various fields, including infrastructure, communications, and education.
Comprehensive cooperation across multiple fields
Relations between the two countries have notably evolved over recent decades, encompassing numerous fields such as political, economic, trade, military, security, cultural, and educational cooperation. This has resulted in an array of agreements and joint memoranda of understanding.
Shared vision for stability and peace
Additionally, both nations are committed to maintaining high-level coordination on bilateral, Arab, and international issues that serve their mutual interests. They share a common vision for peace and stability in the region and advocate for diplomatic dialogue to resolve regional disputes, adhering to international law.
Moreover, the UAE and Kuwait play a significant role in supporting peaceful solutions to current regional conflicts in collaboration with the international community. They further continue to expand their economic cooperation and partnership, exploring opportunities under the “We the UAE 2031” vision and “Kuwait Vision 2035.”
Notable increase in non-oil trade
The non-oil trade exchange between the two nations reached $12.198 billion in 2023, marking a 2 percent increase compared to 2022 and a 16 percent increase compared to 2021. The UAE is the largest destination for Kuwait’s non-oil exports, accounting for 22 percent of Kuwait’s total exports.
Investment flow from the UAE to Kuwait from 2019 to 2023 amounted to $1.087 billion, while investments from Kuwait to the UAE reached $194.7 million during the same period.
The UAE and Kuwait have developed a strong economic partnership, reflected in their increasing trade exchange over the last decade. From 2013 to 2022, the total trade volume between the two nations reached AED317 billion ($86.3 billion). This total comprises AED63 billion in imports, AED85.5 billion in non-oil exports, and AED168.5 billion in re-exports.
Tourism growth between UAE and Kuwait
In the tourism sector, the number of Kuwaiti tourists in UAE hotels exceeded 381,000 in 2023, compared to 250,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, the number of Emirati tourists in Kuwait from January to September 2024 was 42,236, with national carriers operating 122 weekly flights to Kuwait.
Cooperation in culture and education reflects the close ties and commonalities between the two nations and their peoples. The UAE and Kuwait have signed numerous bilateral agreements aimed at exchanging expertise and enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit.
Kuwait’s active participation in COP28
Kuwait further played an active role in COP28 held in Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The country proposed initiatives for developing low-carbon projects to support global environmental sustainability and presented various renewable energy projects.
Kuwait’s representation was crucial at COP28 in promoting environmental initiatives that align with the conference’s goals. Additionally, Kuwait joined the UAE-launched Climate Change Alliance, reflecting its commitment to global sustainability efforts.