Overview:

The UAE's non-oil foreign trade sector continues advancing through bilateral and multilateral economic partnerships. Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi confirmed the completion of 37 comprehensive economic partnership agreements, with 18 already operational. Concurrently, the nation maintains active negotiations with 20 countries to expand its trade framework. Meanwhile, regional markets faced pressure amid escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, with oil prices and equity indices reflecting investor caution.

Details:

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, announced that the UAE has completed 37 comprehensive economic partnership agreements to date, with 18 in active implementation. The remaining agreements are progressing through finalisation processes. This strategic expansion forms part of the UAE's broader vision to diversify economic partnerships and strengthen non-oil trade capacity. The ministry is simultaneously conducting negotiations with 20 additional countries, signalling sustained momentum in regional and global trade integration efforts.

Oil markets experienced modest declines as investors weighed competing signals from the Middle East. Reports of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran provided some support to commodity prices, though ongoing regional hostilities and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz maintained upward pressure. Brent crude was trading near USD 88 per barrel, reflecting the balance between supply concerns and de-escalation hopes.

The UAE domestic economy demonstrated resilience in select sectors. Network International expanded acceptance of the Giowan national payment card system to online transactions, strengthening digital payment infrastructure. Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development announced seven integrated financing programmes to support startup growth and small-to-medium enterprise expansion. Abu Dhabi's commercial real estate market showed strength, with office sales rising 190 percent year-on-year in the reported period.

Outlook:

Investors are monitoring the outcome of ongoing US-Iran diplomatic efforts and their potential impact on regional stability and energy prices. The success of the UAE's 20 active trade negotiations will be closely watched as indicators of global appetite for Gulf Cooperation Council integration and market access expansion.