UAE, Qatar Move to Strengthen Trade Ties with South Korea

By Faizal

04 May 2026

UAE, Qatar Move to Strengthen Trade Ties with South Korea

The United Arab Emirates has signed a landmark trade agreement with South Korea, while Qatar is also expanding its economic engagement with Seoul, in a move that signals a growing push by Gulf nations to strengthen trade links with Asia. The agreement, known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), will eliminate or reduce tariffs on more than 91 per cent of goods traded between the UAE and South Korea. Officials said the deal is expected to improve market access, boost trade volumes, and encourage investment between the two countries.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and South Korea reached $6.9 billion in 2025, and authorities expect further growth following the implementation of the agreement.

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreement would open new opportunities for exporters and strengthen cooperation across sectors including technology, manufacturing and logistics.

In parallel, Qatar is also stepping up its trade engagement with South Korea. Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, recently led a business delegation to Seoul to explore opportunities for trade and investment.

Talks between Qatar and South Korea focused on sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, reflecting a shared interest in expanding cooperation in high-growth industries.

The developments come at a time when global supply chains are undergoing significant changes due to geopolitical shifts and economic realignment. Gulf countries are increasingly looking toward Asia to diversify trade partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional markets.

South Korea’s agreement with the UAE is its first trade pact with a country in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, highlighting the growing importance of the Middle East in Asia’s trade strategy.

Analysts say the UAE and Qatar’s initiatives could help lay the foundation for a broader Gulf-Asia trade corridor, strengthening economic ties and improving trade flows between the two regions.

Written by

Faizal

Faizal is an experienced content creator and writer with a strong focus on business trends, economic developments, and emerging opportunities across the Gulf region. His work reflects a keen understanding of evolving markets, industry dynamics, and the factors shaping the region’s business landscape. With a research-driven approach, Faizal transforms complex market developments into clear, informative, and actionable insights for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. His content aims to provide valuable perspectives on key economic trends and developments influencing businesses across the Gulf.