The UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum kicked off Monday as part of the “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” week, running until February 4 across all Emirates. The event aims to deepen economic, trade, and investment relations between the two nations, highlighting their longstanding historical ties and shared vision for regional prosperity.
Organized under the auspices of both governments, the forum serves as a strategic platform for exploring investment opportunities in key sectors such as logistics, renewable energy, new economy ventures, industry, and commerce. It also facilitates dialogue on enhancing supply chain integration and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized that the strong fraternal bond between the UAE and Kuwait provides a solid foundation for deeper collaboration. He noted that the partnership supports the creation of high-impact private-sector alliances, expands opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, and strengthens economic resilience through diversified cooperation.
The forum is designed to advance the strategic economic partnership between the two countries, aligning with leadership visions to build an integrated model based on economic diversification, expanded trade, and empowered private enterprise. Al Zeyoudi described the gathering as a pivotal moment for exchanging insights on bilateral economic futures and identifying mechanisms to boost joint ventures in priority industries.
Co-hosted by Al Zeyoudi and Khaled Abdullah Al Ajil, Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, the opening featured keynote speeches on the evolution of economic ties over decades and ways to further strengthen sustainable development cooperation.
A panel titled “Brothers in Dialogue: UAE and Kuwait” included remarks from UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Matar Al Neyadi and Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UAE Jamal Mohammed Al-Ghanim. Another session, “The Gulf Economy: Experience and Renewal,” featured Sheikh Saad Al-Sabah, Director of Corporate and Syndicated Finance at Kuwait Finance House.
Additional discussions spotlighted regional business expansion, including a session on the rise of Kuwaiti retail brands across the region and globally, featuring Mohamed Abdulaziz Al-Shaya, Chairman of Al-Mabani. A historical panel, “Memories of Al-Murshed Market,” explored the legacy of the iconic marketplace in building commercial trust, with contributions from Essam Al-Assimi of the Al-Murshed family.
Youth innovation was highlighted in “From Idea to Platform: Emirati-Kuwaiti Youth,” featuring entrepreneurs such as Abdulrahman Younes (Waves), Ali Al-Ibrahim (Cofe App), and Marishd Mohammed (DRIVU). Another session, “Entrepreneurs’ Journey: From Creativity to Sustainable Economic Impact,” showcased how startups contribute to job creation and economic diversification, with speakers Danah Al-Shaikh, Mahmoud Al-Khamis, and Ghanem Al-Qassem.
Financial collaboration was examined in “National Bank of Kuwait and Emirates NBD: Models of UAE-Kuwait Banking Excellence,” with Hisham Al-Qassem and Zaid Essam Al-Saqer discussing regional banking partnerships. Historical contributions were also honored in panels on the Al-Ruzouqi family’s role in shaping administrative systems pre-federation and the legacy of the Al-Kharafi family in the UAE, presented by Talal Jassim Al-Kharafi.
Overall, the forum underscores a shared commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking economic ecosystem rooted in mutual trust, innovation, and long-term strategic alignment.
— news from CNN Business Arabic