S'pore & UAE look towards Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, deepening economic & energy ties

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intend to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an Oct. 21 press statement.

This was announced by Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Warm, longstanding relations

An earlier report mentioned that PM Wong's official visit includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Oct. 18 to 22.

On Oct. 21, PM Wong was received by President Sheikh Mohamed, who hosted a lunch in his honour.

Both leaders reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relations between Singapore and the UAE, underpinned by broad based cooperation under the Singapore–UAE Comprehensive Partnership.

It was established in 2019 during President Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to Singapore.

A joint statement between both countries noted that they had previously commemorated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Similarly, Singapore has established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships (CSPs) with other countries including Australia (CSP 2.0), New Zealand, France, India and Vietnam.

CEPA, joint forum

The CEPA will deepen economic integration, facilitate trade and investment flows, and create opportunities for businesses in both countries, the MFA statement wrote.

It added that both leaders also noted the positive outcomes of the 17th Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) in Singapore on Sep. 28, 2026, which saw the signing and renewal of MOUs on investment, capacity-building, and industrial development.

Both sides recognised the important role of these engagements in enhancing bilateral coordination and expanding cooperation in key areas, including energy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

According to the joint statement, both sides also reaffirmed the importance of the ADSJF in advancing economic cooperation.

Memoranda of Understanding

In addition, PM Wong and President Sheikh Mohamed witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

The first was between the Singapore's Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on a Joint Energy Taskforce.

The second was between Singapore's PUB and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy on Water Cooperation.

The third was between the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre on Cooperation in Vector Control.

Joint Energy Taskforce

According to the joint statement, both sides welcomed the establishment of the Joint Energy Taskforce under the ambit of the ADSJF.

This is to explore opportunities and deepen cooperation across the energy value chain, including trading, infrastructure, and downstream activities.

Both sides also welcomed ongoing cooperation in nuclear energy, involving the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC).

Strong economic ties

The joint statement further noted that both sides welcomed the strong economic ties between the UAE and Singapore, calling the countries important commercial partners and gateways to the Middle East and Southeast Asia respectively.

It added that the UAE is Singapore's largest trading partner and investment destination in the Middle East and North Africa region, with total non-oil bilateral trade reaching approximately US$6.5 billion (S$8.3 billion) in 2025, achieving a growth of 25 per cent from 2024.

Both sides agreed to work towards further expanding trade and investment ties and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including energy, technology, financial services, logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy.

They also welcomed Temasek's announcement of deepening its presence in the UAE by establishing an office in Abu Dhabi.

Partnership Agreement, UN Water Conference

According to the joint statement, both sides also welcomed the substantive progress towards the UAE’s accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).

They looked forward to concluding the accession process, with Singapore serving as Chair of the UAE's Accession Working Group, and both sides being founding members and co-convenors of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FITP).

Both sides also commended preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, the statement added.

It will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, West Africa in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 8 to 10, strengthening partnerships, mobilising finance and investment, and advancing practical and scalable solutions to global water challenges.

Global business, financial hubs

PM Wong also said in an Oct. 21 Facebook post that Singapore and Dubai have much in common.

Calling both "global business and financial hubs", he added that they have economies built on openness, connectivity and enterprise.

PM Wong highlighted his meeting with Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

"We had a useful exchange on our shared priorities, from strengthening our financial sectors and economic competitiveness to supporting families and building more liveable communities," he said.

"There is much we can learn from each other’s experiences as we navigate new challenges and plan for the future," PM Wong added, noting that he looks forward to "deepening cooperation and strengthening the friendship between Singapore and Dubai".

Met Singaporeans

PM Wong mentioned in a separate post on Oct. 22 that he was glad to catch up with Singaporean communities living and working in Qatar and the UAE.

"Through their work and everyday interactions, they help to build bridges between Singapore and their host countries," he said.

PM Wong added: "I know the recent developments in the Middle East have been unsettling for Singaporeans in the region, as well as their families and loved ones back home."

"That is why we arranged repatriation flights during the conflict to help Singaporeans who wished to return home."

"We will always look out for our people and do everything we can to keep them safe."

Difficult period for UAE, wider Middle East

In that regard, PM Wong acknowledged in a different Oct. 21 Facebook post that it has been a difficult period for the UAE and the wider Middle East.

"Through these challenging times, Singapore stands with the UAE as a trusted partner and friend," he said.

He added that he spoke with "UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan soon after the conflict broke out in March to express Singapore's solidarity and support, and to thank him for looking after Singaporeans in the UAE".

PM Wong said: "I was glad to meet him in person in Abu Dhabi, on my first Official Visit to the UAE as Prime Minister.

"The UAE is Singapore's largest trading partner in the Middle East. Our economic ties are strong, and we see good potential to deepen cooperation in areas such as AI, digitalisation, energy, defence and space."

He added that taking their economic partnership further and starting discussions on CEPA will create new opportunities for businesses and people.

"We also exchanged views on regional developments and the importance of restoring peace and stability in the Middle East," PM Wong said.

He added: "We discussed how to strengthen ties between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially as Singapore prepares to chair ASEAN in 2027.

"Singapore and the UAE share many common interests and perspectives."

"In an increasingly troubled world, our partnership matters more than ever. By working together and combining our complementary strengths, we can achieve far more than either of us could on our own."