The United Arab Emirates signed a new trade agreement with South Korea a day after the departure of OPEC’, as part of a broader move by the Gulf countries towards Asia’; This agreement aims to increase trade exchanges and strengthen economic ties between the two countries by lowering customs duties on most goods traded, as part of a broader move by the Gulf countries towards Asia’.
The agreement marks ’'s first trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council and a country in the wider Middle East and North Africa region, at a time when supply chains and broader geopolitical dynamics are reshaping global trade.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and South Korea %By eliminating or reducing tariffs on 91.2’sine, it facilitates access to each other's markets and supports trade and investment flows. Non-oil trade between the UAE and South Korea reached ’billion dollars (approximately 6.3 billion euros) in 2025te, and officials expect further growth.
UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreement will create new opportunities for exporters and strengthen cooperation between sectors, including technology, production and logistics.
Qatar accelerates Korean engagement
In parallel, Qatar is strengthening its own economic ties with South Korea as a strong signal that Seoul’ is moving towards Gulf ’e and Middle East ’.
Over the past few days, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, has led a Seoul’e business delegation to hold talks on trade and investment issues, both at the state level and with Korean companies, including sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
