Trade between the UAE and EAEU member states rose 15% year-on-year, highlighting stronger economic ties.
Trade between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has continued to strengthen following the implementation of the UAE EAEU Trade Agreement, with total trade volumes rising 15 percent year-on-year to reach $33.3 billion (Dh121.1 billion).
The milestone was highlighted during the participation of UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, where discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, improving trade connectivity, and creating new investment opportunities across the region.
UAE EAEU Trade Agreement Driving Growth
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union last year was designed to reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
The agreement supports the UAE’s broader strategy of expanding global trade partnerships while accelerating economic diversification beyond traditional industries.
The EAEU comprises five member states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Together, the bloc represents a significant regional market and an increasingly important trade partner for the UAE.
The latest figures suggest that the agreement is already delivering results, with bilateral trade growing steadily across multiple sectors.
Kazakhstan Emerges as a Key Trade Partner
Among EAEU member states, Kazakhstan continues to play a central role in the UAE’s regional trade strategy.
Trade between the UAE and Kazakhstan reached approximately $6.1 billion in 2025, representing an 8.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. The UAE remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner among Arab nations, reflecting the growing economic relationship between the two countries.
During his visit, Al Zeyoudi held discussions with Arman Shakkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, alongside several other senior government and economic officials.
The meetings focused on expanding commercial cooperation, encouraging investment flows, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration across key industries.
Focus on Trade Corridors and Logistics
A major theme of the Eurasian Economic Forum was the importance of modernizing trade infrastructure and improving regional connectivity.
Al Zeyoudi emphasized the need to develop efficient trade routes, accelerate paperless logistics systems, and support multilateral investment projects within the transportation and logistics sectors.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, digital trade infrastructure and seamless logistics networks are becoming increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness and facilitating international commerce.
The UAE has positioned itself as a leading logistics and trade hub, making these initiatives central to its long-term economic strategy.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Beyond Kazakhstan, the UAE delegation also held meetings with senior officials from Kyrgyzstan and representatives from key financial and export institutions.
Discussions included opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, strengthen investment partnerships, and support future trade growth between the UAE and EAEU member states.
Commenting on the forum, Al Zeyoudi said the UAE remains committed to building stronger economic ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.
He noted that enhanced cooperation with EAEU countries supports the UAE’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, commerce, and sustainable economic growth.
What’s Next
The growth in trade volumes demonstrates the early impact of the UAE EAEU Trade Agreement and highlights the increasing importance of Eurasian markets within the UAE’s global trade network.
As both sides continue to implement the agreement and expand cooperation in logistics, investment, and digital trade, economic ties between the UAE and EAEU member states are expected to deepen further.
With trade already exceeding Dh121 billion and momentum continuing to build, the partnership is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the UAE’s international trade strategy.
Source: Khaleej Times
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UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other ministers during the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Trade
