UAE joins Kuwait National Day celebrations

In line with the directives of the UAE leadership, nationwide celebrations were held across all emirates from 29 January to 4 February 2026 under the theme “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever.” The events reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two nations and reflected the UAE’s strong appreciation of Kuwait and the close bonds between their peoples.

Leadership support strengthens bilateral relations

UAE–Kuwait relations continue to grow under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Both countries are expanding cooperation through joint mechanisms, particularly the UAE–Kuwait Joint Higher Committee, which recently held its sixth session in Kuwait.

Agreements and memoranda enhance cooperation

During the session, five memoranda of understanding and executive programmes were signed, covering consumer protection and commercial control, tourism cooperation for 2026–2028, standardisation activities for 2026–2028, promoting integrity and combating corruption, and cooperation in public sector oversight and auditing.

Strong and growing economic and trade ties

Economic and trade relations between the UAE and Kuwait remain strong and steadily expanding. Total bilateral trade between 2013 and 2022 reached AED317 billion, including AED63 billion in imports, AED85.5 billion in non-oil exports, and AED168.5 billion in re-exports. Non-oil trade reached AED38.8 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting 7.6 percent growth. UAE imports from Kuwait rose by 3.6 percent, while re-exports increased by 4 percent in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The UAE is Kuwait’s second-largest global trading partner and its largest Arab and Gulf partner, accounting for nearly 20 percent of Kuwait’s non-oil exports.

Tourism and connectivity boost relations

Tourism remains a key pillar of bilateral ties, with 400,000 Kuwaiti visitors travelling to the UAE in 2025, an increase of nearly 6 percent compared to 2024. Air connectivity is strong, with 174 direct flights operated weekly between the two countries by national carriers.

Cultural and educational cooperation continues

Cultural collaboration remains an important aspect of UAE–Kuwait relations, supported by several agreements to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation. Educational ties are also growing, with more than 1,725 Kuwaiti students enrolled in UAE universities.