Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda will host the Fourth Edition of the Uganda–UAE Business Forum in Kampala from October 27 to 29, 2025, bringing together top government officials, investors, and business leaders to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zaake W. Kibedi, described the upcoming forum as “momentous” and a reflection of growing cooperation between Uganda and the Gulf state.
“The Forum is an annual event organised by the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Kampala, Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Dubai Chambers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala,” Amb Kibedi said.
Amb Kibedi revealed that trade between Uganda and the UAE has reached $2.85 billion as of September 2025, with the UAE now Uganda’s leading export destination globally.
Foreign direct investment from the UAE to Uganda has grown from $300 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2024.
“The increase is supported by improved transport and connectivity, including six daily flights between Uganda and the UAE,” he noted.
Key Focus Areas
The three-day forum will focus on sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, minerals, innovation, infrastructure, real estate, and manufacturing.
Activities will include field visits, plenary sessions, high-level panel discussions, and business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G), and government-to-government (G2G) engagements.
“The platform will showcase innovative products, services, and business models while influencing policy dialogue to create an enabling environment for business,” Kibedi said.
Ambassador Kibedi highlighted recent high-level exchanges between the two nations.
“In January 2025, President Museveni visited the UAE, and in May 2025, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Uganda, leading to the signing of six memoranda of understanding covering investment protection, works and transport, diplomatic training, digital transformation, and energy,” he said.
The envoy also praised the UAE’s hospitality, noting that the number of Ugandans living and working in the UAE has grown from 40,000 in 2018 to over 160,000 in 2024.
“The Uganda–UAE relationship exemplifies a robust and evolving partnership characterised by mutual respect, strategic investments, and collaborative efforts across multiple sectors,” he concluded.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
