KUWAIT: The UAE Companies Exhibition and Forum held in Kuwait on April 28 and 29, graced by esteemed leaders and officials from the economic sectors of both nations, featured the participation of 20 prominent Emirati companies spanning the public and private domains. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s announcement of the approval of designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport sets the stage for Dubai to spearhead the global aviation sector for the forthcoming four decades.
Loay Jassim Al-Kharafi, CEO of Mohamed Abdul Mohsen Al-Kharafi and Sons Company, expressed profound admiration, stating: "Mohammed bin Rashid is a marvel of his time — a shining example of rare excellence. His dreams and endeavors, executed with quiet determination, continually impress the world and bring prosperity, not only to his country, but to the whole region. Congratulations to the Emirates and beyond. He stands as the visionary architect, builder and financial expert of the region, navigating through a world full of conflicts and divisions. Yet, we witness the fruition of stability and robust economic growth.”
The forum presented a significant opportunity to strengthen exports and industrial integration between the UAE and Kuwait. It facilitates discussions on tenders and investment prospects for Emirati companies in Kuwait’s market. Non-oil trade between the two countries grew by 2 percent in 2023, reaching 45 billion dirhams, a notable increase from previous years. The UAE serves as the primary destination for Kuwait’s non-oil exports, accounting for 22 percent of its global exports. These figures underscore the UAE’s pivotal role as a gateway for Kuwaiti exports and re-exports worldwide. The forum offers numerous avenues to boost trade cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait and reinforce their strategic economic partnership.
The exhibition and forum reflect the shared commitment of both countries to enhance collaboration across various sectors. The inaugural Emirati Companies Exhibition and Forum brought together local, regional, and international companies and investment institutions, providing an ideal platform to explore promising sectors, industries, and key investment and commercial opportunities for Emirati companies in the Kuwaiti market.
Dr Matar Al-Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, inaugurated the exhibition and forum, with the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmad Al-Zeyoudi - UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Abdullah Al-Jouan - Minister of Trade and Industry in Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Mazrui - President of UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and other prominent economic figures from both countries.