UAE-Oman economic cooperation strengthened as ministers pledge deeper trade and investment ties
UAE-Oman economic cooperation deepens after Abu Dhabi talks; UAE hosts over 9,180 Omani companies and roughly 550 brands, as ministers agree to expand trade, investment and business channels.
Abu Dhabi — UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri met with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousuf, chairman of Oman’s Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, to reaffirm UAE-Oman economic cooperation and to pledge coordinated measures to boost bilateral commerce. The ministers described the partnership as a model of Gulf integration and stressed practical steps to facilitate the movement of goods and services between the two markets. They underlined the scale of private-sector ties, noting the presence of thousands of Omani companies and hundreds of Omani brands operating across the UAE.
Ministers frame cooperation as strategic Gulf model
Bin Touq said the UAE and Oman share a united vision for developing a distinctive economic partnership that supports each country’s development goals. He characterized the relationship as an exemplar of coordination within the Gulf Cooperation Council, built on complementary markets and longstanding commercial links. Both sides emphasized the need for continued policy alignment and practical coordination to sustain momentum in investment and trade.
UAE market footprint of Omani companies and brands
Officials highlighted that more than 9,180 Omani companies and about 550 Omani brands operate across UAE markets, spanning sectors from logistics and retail to services and manufacturing. This footprint reflects growing private-sector integration and increased cross-border entrepreneurship between the two countries. The presence of these firms in the UAE underscores the Emirati market’s role as a regional hub for Omani exporters and investors.
Economic reforms and incentives that attract investment
The ministers reviewed a range of UAE economic policies aimed at enhancing the business environment and drawing projects tied to the new economy. They discussed reforms that improve regulatory predictability, streamline business setup and bolster legal competitiveness. Bin Touq noted that such measures have strengthened the UAE’s position as a leading centre for regional business and investment, making it attractive for both traditional industries and emerging sectors.
Strengthening business-to-business links and communication channels
A central outcome of the meeting was an agreement to intensify communication between the UAE and Omani business communities. Officials said enhanced dialogue will help identify joint projects, ease market entry for small and medium enterprises, and match sector-specific opportunities across both countries. The ministers encouraged bilateral business councils and trade associations to expand outreach and to pursue sectoral working groups for logistics, food security, and digital services.
Facilitating exporters and importers amid current challenges
Both delegations emphasised the importance of supporting exporters and importers to maintain supply-chain fluidity, particularly in the face of present global and regional pressures. They committed to measures that ease the exchange of goods and services, increase the volume and diversity of traded products, and reduce bottlenecks. By focusing on operational facilitation, the two governments aim to lift trade volumes and promote more resilient cross-border commerce.
Joint initiatives to diversify trade and encourage new projects
Officials outlined plans to launch targeted initiatives that would widen the scope of bilateral investment, including joint ventures and platform projects that link Emirati capital and Omani resources. The ministers discussed coordination on special economic zone cooperation, streamlined logistics corridors and incentives that catalyse private investment in priority sectors. The aim is to generate sustainable job creation and to deepen economic integration beyond traditional trade flows.
Business leaders in both countries are expected to play a central role in translating ministerial commitments into concrete projects. The meeting called for enhanced private-sector consultation to ensure policies respond to operational realities and commercial demand. Participants signalled that closer public-private coordination will accelerate practical outcomes and unlock new areas of cooperation.
The ministers’ discussions in Abu Dhabi reaffirmed longstanding economic ties while setting a clear agenda for closer coordination, streamlined trade facilitation, and increased private-sector engagement to expand UAE-Oman economic cooperation. They agreed to sustain momentum through regular consultations and by empowering business channels to implement the agreed measures, aiming to translate diplomatic consensus into measurable increases in trade and investment.