CEPA Programme: UAE Global Trade Ties Grow With 26 Strategic Alliances
The CEPA programme is playing a pivotal role in the UAE’s broader economic strategy, accelerating progress toward the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision The UAE’s ambitious comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) programme continues to reshape its trade landscape, with 26 agreements signed with key global partners as of Q1 2025. The initiative, launched in September 2021, underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its regional and international economic influence. In 2025 alone, the UAE secured five new CEPAs with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic, further expanding its trade network and unlocking opportunities for the country’s private sector across some of the world’s most dynamic economies, according to a WAM report. Of the 26 agreements,