Leaders agree to deepen economic ties through trade, energy, water management and technology cooperation.
Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced plans to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during their meeting in Abu Dhabi on 21 October 2026. The announcement came during Prime Minister Wong’s official visit to the UAE from 20 to 22 October, with both leaders seeking to expand trade, investment and cooperation under the Singapore–UAE Comprehensive Partnership established in 2019.
The leaders met at Qasr Al Watan, where President Sheikh Mohamed hosted a luncheon in Prime Minister Wong’s honour. They reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relationship, following the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, and agreed to convene the fourth Singapore–UAE Joint Committee to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation.
The proposed CEPA aims to deepen economic integration, facilitate trade and investment flows, and expand market access for businesses in both countries. According to the joint statement, non-oil bilateral trade reached approximately US$6.5 billion in 2025, representing 25 per cent growth from 2024. The UAE remains Singapore’s largest trading partner and investment destination in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Both leaders also witnessed the exchange of three memoranda of understanding covering energy cooperation, water management and disease vector control. They welcomed the establishment of a Joint Energy Taskforce under the Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF), which will explore opportunities in energy trading, infrastructure and downstream activities. The agreements involved Singapore’s Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Public Utilities Board and National Environment Agency, alongside their UAE counterparts.
Cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, sustainability and security was also discussed. The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 17th ADSJF, held in Singapore on 28 September 2026, and highlighted opportunities for further business engagement. They also welcomed Temasek’s announcement that it would establish an office in Abu Dhabi.
On regional matters, Prime Minister Wong and President Sheikh Mohamed exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and underscored the importance of international law, maritime navigation rights and a rules-based international order. They also looked forward to expanding ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, during Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.
Prime Minister Wong’s UAE visit included meetings with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and government and business leaders. He was scheduled to continue his programme in Dubai before returning to Singapore on 22 October.
Source: MFA Singapore
