The fraternal relations between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait span more than six decades. Founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, these ties have continued to flourish since the historic meeting between Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah in 1973. Today, they stand as a model of enduring brotherhood deeply rooted in the shared history, values, and aspirations of both nations.
Political relations continue to advance through close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest, supported by an active exchange of high-level official visits. Among the most significant milestones were the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, to the UAE in March 2024, his first official visit following his accession to the throne, and the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Kuwait in November 2024. The leaders of both countries also continue to meet regularly on the sidelines of Gulf Cooperation Council summits and the World Governments Summit.
This institutional cooperation has been reinforced through successive sessions of the UAE–Kuwait Joint Higher Committee. The sixth session, held in Kuwait on January 29, 2026, resulted in the signing of five memoranda of understanding and executive programs covering consumer protection, tourism, standardization, integrity and anti-corruption, and public sector oversight. The two countries also signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in February 2024, the first agreement of its kind in the region.
The depth of this strategic partnership was further demonstrated through the two countries' unified political stance in response to regional security developments in early 2026. The leadership and foreign ministers of both nations held a series of consultations that reaffirmed their condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the security of both countries and the wider region. Kuwait also expressed its full solidarity with the UAE and its support for the measures undertaken to safeguard the country's security and sovereignty, reflecting the strength of the fraternal relationship and the enduring spirit of Gulf cooperation.
Economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait are built upon longstanding fraternal ties and a robust strategic partnership that has expanded steadily across trade, investment, and key economic sectors.
Non-oil foreign trade between the two countries reached approximately AED 55.5 billion in 2025, representing an 11.3% increase compared to 2024. The UAE is Kuwait's second-largest global trading partner and its largest trading partner among Arab and Gulf countries. The UAE accounts for nearly 20% of Kuwait's non-oil exports, while bilateral trade represents approximately two-thirds of Kuwait's total trade with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Trade is expected to continue growing in 2026, reflecting the depth of the partnership and the significant opportunities for further economic cooperation.
UAE investments have established a strong presence across the Kuwaiti market, particularly in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cable manufacturing, cement production, shipbuilding, financial and banking services, real estate, wholesale and retail trade, oil and gas exploration, tourism and hospitality, transportation, and artificial intelligence. Kuwaiti investment in the UAE is concentrated in financial services and insurance, manufacturing, real estate, information and communications technology, construction, transportation and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Bilateral trade includes a diverse range of products, including petroleum oils, gold, jewelry, telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, ships, and food products. Cooperation extends beyond trade and investment to tourism and services, with approximately 400,000 Kuwaiti visitors traveling to the UAE in 2025. The two countries are connected by approximately 174 weekly flights, further strengthening business, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity.
Reflecting the strength of this strategic partnership, the UAE and Kuwait have signed numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding across multiple sectors. Most notably, a package of agreements concluded in January 2026 covered consumer protection and commercial oversight, tourism cooperation, standardization activities, integrity and anti-corruption, and public sector oversight.
Cultural relations between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait extend back more than six decades and reflect the deep historical bonds between the two brotherly nations. This enduring partnership is demonstrated through active cultural exchanges and the UAE's participation in major cultural events hosted in Kuwait, as well as exhibitions and initiatives that celebrate the shared heritage of both countries.
Notable examples include the "Masterpieces of Kuwaiti Antiquities" exhibition hosted in Sharjah and the "UAE Cultural Nights in Kuwait," which featured leading Emirati cultural and heritage institutions. The UAE has also showcased its authentic traditions, crafts, performing arts, and traditional cuisine at numerous cultural events and festivals held across Kuwait.
Academic and scientific cooperation also represents an important pillar of the bilateral relationship. This includes educational exchange programs, recognition of graduate programs offered by UAE universities, informational seminars highlighting higher education opportunities in the UAE, and initiatives that share the UAE's pioneering experience in space science through lectures, scientific visits, and the donation of artifacts from the UAE's space missions to Kuwaiti museums, enriching scientific awareness and inspiring future generations.
This dynamic cultural partnership also extends to heritage, sports, and youth initiatives, including joint heritage competitions featuring falconry and Arabian horse events, as well as youth forums and dialogue platforms that promote cooperation, empower young people, and strengthen people-to-people ties. Together, these initiatives celebrate the enduring brotherhood between the Emirati and Kuwaiti peoples while reflecting their shared commitment to preserving their common heritage and shaping a prosperous future.
This interactive page provides Emirati travelers with personalized travel guidance and essential entry requirements based on their selected destination. Through a user-friendly map interface, travelers can quickly access important information, understand destination-specific regulations and requirements, and prepare confidently for their international journey.
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This interactive page provides non-UAE citizens with clear and accessible information about visa requirements for entering the United Arab Emirates. Users can search for their country or nationality and quickly determine whether they are eligible for visa-free entry or are required to obtain a visa before travelling, helping them plan their visit and complete the necessary arrangements in advance.
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