The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea has officially entered into force on 1st May 2026, marking a significant step forward in economic relations between the two countries.
The agreement is set to unlock new trade and investment opportunities across a range of sectors and support deeper private-sector collaboration.
This partnership represents Korea’s first trade agreement with a country in the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
Under the agreement, tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on 91.2 percent of traded goods and services, creating significant new opportunities for exporters to access one of Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly growing markets.
The UAE-Korea CEPA will also remove unnecessary barriers to trade, enhance market access for services and provide a structured and transparent framework for investment and cooperation, particularly in future-oriented sectors such as technology, renewable energy and healthcare innovation.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $6.9 billion in 2025, with the agreement expected to further accelerate growth, strengthen economic ties and unlock new business opportunities across key sectors.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi UAE Minister of Foreign Trade
“The entry into force of the the UAE-Korea CEPA marks an important milestone in our trade and economic relations with Asia. The agreement will support increased trade flows, create new market opportunities for exporters and strengthen investment and cooperation across priority sectors, including advanced technology, manufacturing and logistics. This agreement will also enhance supply-chain resilience and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global trade hub.”
The UAE is Korea’s largest trading partner in the GCC, with a combined $10 billion invested in each other’s markets across key sectors. There are many Korean companies already established in the UAE, which offers substantial potential to create long-lasting, mutually beneficial opportunities, deepen economic cooperation and drive sustainable growth between the two economies.
