Abu Dhabi Hosts Brisbane Forum to Boost Trade Ties

Abu Dhabi recently played host to a landmark economic gathering, the Brisbane Forum for Networking and Economic Partnerships, drawing top-level officials and business leaders from both the UAE and Australia. The forum aimed to strengthen commercial ties and open new avenues for collaboration between the two regions.

Leading the Australian delegation was Councillor Fiona Cunningham, Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, accompanied by over 40 representatives from Brisbane’s business and government sectors. The forum brought together Emirati and Australian companies in a series of interactive discussions and one-on-one meetings, offering a platform to explore joint ventures, trade opportunities, and investment projects.

Trade between the UAE and Australia has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between the two nations rose by 33.4% year-on-year, reaching US$3 billion. With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) now in effect, bilateral trade is projected to increase from US$4.2 billion in 2024 to over US$10 billion by 2032.

During the forum, discussions spanned a wide range of sectors, including industry, clean energy, advanced technology, infrastructure, and tourism. Participants also exchanged ideas on improving trade flows and investment mechanisms to make collaboration smoother and more effective.

The Brisbane Forum highlighted the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its economy through international partnerships, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for global business innovation. The event reinforced the strong economic and cultural links between the two nations and laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.