UAE, Singapore eye closer freight and logistics ties

The UAE and Singapore are set to strengthen freight connectivity and trade ties, with a focus on ports, logistics infrastructure and supply chain links to support cargo movement and business growth across markets.

Cooperation in advanced manufacturing, freight connectivity and future-ready infrastructure is expected to create investment opportunities and improve links between businesses in the two regions. The focus on logistics could help improve the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains and support companies looking to expand into new markets across the Middle East and Asia.

The UAE is Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. Bilateral goods trade reached US$43.71 billion in 2025, up from US$39.32 billion in 2024. Non-oil trade also increased, reaching US$6.54 billion compared with US$5.2 billion the previous year.

UAE direct investment in Singapore stood at US$5.12 billion between 2021 and 2025, while 230 Singaporean companies operated in the UAE between 2003 and August 2026.

Transportation and warehousing are among the sectors attracting Singaporean investment in the UAE, alongside real estate, tourism, communications, and oil and gas.

Badr Jafar, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, said trusted links between countries were becoming more important as global supply chains and trade patterns changed.

Stronger cooperation could help businesses connect with new markets and support trade flows between the UAE, Singapore and the wider regions they serve.