Uganda and the United Arab Emirates are set to deepen their economic cooperation as the 5th UAE–Uganda Business Forum brings together key government officials, investors and business leaders in a major push to expand trade, investment and commercial partnerships between the two countries.Scheduled for October 26–29, 2026, the four-day forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, giving Ugandan businesses an opportunity to connect with leading UAE investors, exporters, financial institutions and private-sector players.
The forum is expected to focus on converting the growing relationship between Uganda and the UAE into real economic benefits through signed business agreements, increased exports, investment commitments and partnerships that support job creation and enterprise growth.The UAE has emerged as one of Uganda’s strongest economic partners, with trade between the two countries recording significant growth in recent years. Bilateral trade reportedly increased from $600 million in 2018 to $2.7 billion in 2024 before rising further to $4.7 billion in 2025.Investment ties have also expanded, with UAE foreign direct investment into Uganda growing from about $300 million in 2018 to an estimated $3.5 billion in 2025, reflecting increased confidence in Uganda’s economic potential and investment opportunities.Key sectors expected to dominate discussions at the forum include agriculture and agro-processing, minerals, tourism, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, logistics, air cargo, financial services and technology, with both countries seeking opportunities for deeper private-sector collaboration.Ugandan companies will use the platform to showcase their products, seek international market access and engage potential buyers and investors from the Gulf region.
The forum will also provide a space for business matchmaking and sharing market opportunities between entrepreneurs from both countries.Organisers say the success of the forum will not only be measured by the number of meetings held, but by the actual agreements reached, investments attracted, exports generated and partnerships established. The event is expected to further position Uganda as a competitive investment destination and strengthen its role in connecting the Gulf market with Africa’s growing opportunities.
