Dennis Schulz

The UAE and Australia just made history with their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). For Australia, it’s the first trade deal ever with the Middle East — a huge step in its global economic strategy. For the UAE, it’s part of an even bigger vision: hitting $1 trillion in trade by 2031. The numbers tell the story. Right now, UAE–Australia trade is valued at $4.2 billion. Under this deal, that’s expected to more than double to $10 billion by 2032. That kind of growth shows just how ambitious and practical both countries are when it comes to building a long-term partnership. But CEPA isn’t just about money. It’s about connecting industries that matter — food security, renewable energy, advanced services. These are areas where both sides have strengths, and together, they can create real opportunities for businesses, investors, and workers. This deal also marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In that sense, it’s not just an economic a...

The UAE’s ambitious trade agenda is set to make waves in 2025, as the country prepares to expand its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). With a vision to achieve $1 trillion in non-oil trade by 2031, these agreements are pivotal to positioning the UAE as a global trade leader. Since the CEPA program launched in September 2021, the UAE has inked 24 trade deals, creating partnerships that touch the lives of 2.5 billion people worldwide. These agreements have not only diversified the UAE's economic portfolio but also fostered resilience by reducing reliance on oil exports. In 2024, the fruits of this strategy became clear. In the first half of the year, the UAE's foreign trade exceeded AED 1.395 trillion, reflecting an impressive 11.2% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The CEPA network has driven trade in clean energy, technology, financial services, and green industries, setting the UAE apart as a forward-thinking economic powerhouse. As t...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ukraine have recently concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant milestone in their bilateral trade relations. This agreement aims to enhance trade by removing or reducing tariffs on a wide range of goods and products, breaking down trade barriers, and facilitating market access for exporters from both countries. The non-oil trade between the UAE and Ukraine has been growing steadily, reaching $385.8 million in 2023. Additionally, joint investment between the two nations stood at around $360 million by the end of 2022, spanning sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, travel, tourism, and advanced technology. One of the key benefits of this CEPA is the potential for the UAE to establish a gateway to Europe through Ukraine. This would expand the UAE's trade relations beyond the Middle East and provide a strategic advantage in terms of market access. The agreement is expected to cover not onl...