UAE Expands Global Trade Network with 37 CEPAS

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 23, 2026

The United Arab Emirates has signed 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, with 18 active and negotiations ongoing with about 20 other countries to strengthen its role as a global trade hub. To support this expansion, the UAE is investing in port infrastructure, logistics enhancements, and new transport corridors to ensure more efficient trade flows and mitigate geopolitical risks.

The United Arab Emirates has established 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to date, with 18 currently in effect, according to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade. The country is simultaneously negotiating additional agreements with approximately 20 other nations, aiming to solidify its status as a global trade hub and bolster the resilience of its foreign trade network.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi highlighted that several more agreements are expected to come into force within the next two to three months, including some with countries in the Eurasian region. Negotiations with the Philippines are progressing, with plans to finalize the UAE–Philippines agreement before the end of the year. Discussions with Canada are reportedly approaching completion, while talks with Rwanda, Ghana, and Zambia are in their final stages. Progress is also being made on agreements with Bangladesh and Peru.

The minister noted that the UAE recently concluded the seventh round of trade negotiations with the European Union, though he acknowledged that the pace of these talks remains slower than the country’s bilateral agreements with other partners.

Al Zeyoudi emphasized the vital role of the UAE’s integrated logistics sector—which includes airports, seaports, and road transport—in maintaining supply chain efficiency amid recent geopolitical challenges. Key national companies involved in port management, logistics services, and customs clearance have helped accommodate increased container traffic and facilitate smoother trade flows. Recent procedural enhancements have also improved truck movement across the country.

To further enhance trade connectivity, DP World has announced initiatives to boost rapid linkages with ports on the UAE’s east coast and expand road transport capacity by enlarging its truck fleet. Concurrently, AD Ports Group continues to develop the transport corridor connecting Basra with Turkey and Syria, a project launched last year that is progressing steadily.

Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of these infrastructure projects as alternative trade routes that mitigate risks posed by geopolitical uncertainties. These corridors are expected to support growing trade volumes with Syria and Turkey in the near future.

Looking ahead, the UAE plans to expand port infrastructure, upgrade road networks, and advance the Etihad Rail project. These measures aim to improve the movement of goods from the country’s eastern regions to key ports, increase overall logistics capacity, and alleviate current bottlenecks, ensuring the UAE’s continued growth as a strategic trade and logistics hub.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.