Forum saw renewed collaboration and new opportunities in energy, health, AI and sustainability.

Singapore co-hosted the 16th Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum on 19 November 2025, led by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and CEO & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company. The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across a range of strategic sectors.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore Energy Interconnections and TAQA Transmission. The agreement, first discussed by Minister Gan and H.E. Khaldoon a year earlier, marked a significant step forward in enhancing cross-border energy cooperation and exploring sustainable power solutions.

Both sides reaffirmed the strong foundation of existing collaborations, noting ongoing progress in areas such as investment, innovation and economic development. They also identified new avenues for partnership, including health, artificial intelligence and renewable energy—sectors that are expected to shape future global growth.

The forum served as an important platform for exchanging perspectives on shared priorities and long-term strategies, reflecting the mutual commitment of Singapore and Abu Dhabi to fostering resilient, future-ready cooperation. Participants emphasised the importance of continued dialogue as both economies navigate rapid technological and geopolitical shifts.

Minister Gan expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the hosts and conveyed his intention to welcome the Abu Dhabi delegation to Singapore for the 17th edition of the Joint Forum next year.

Source: Singapore Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Tan See Leng

Chief of Air Force discussed emerging airpower trends with global counterparts in the UAE.

Major General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), attended the 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference (DIACC) in the United Arab Emirates last week. The conference gathered Air Chiefs and senior commanders from around the world to exchange perspectives on the evolving operational environment.

The 2025 edition of DIACC centred on the theme “Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces”. Discussions explored how advancements in hypersonic technology and asymmetric threats were reshaping air defence strategies, force readiness, and future airpower capabilities.

Image by: The Republic of Singapore Air Force

During the conference, MG Fan engaged with counterparts from various air forces, sharing assessments on regional security developments, capability integration, and the role of innovation in sustaining operational edge. These engagements reinforced the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperation among air forces amid rapidly changing global security dynamics.

MG Fan’s participation reflected Singapore’s ongoing commitment to strengthening professional ties with international partners and keeping pace with emerging developments in aviation and defence technology. Such exchanges enhance the RSAF’s ability to benchmark best practices and maintain a forward-looking approach to airpower development.

The DIACC, first held in 2003, continues to serve as a key global platform for advancing strategic understanding, fostering collaboration, and shaping future air domain priorities.

Source: The Republic of Singapore Air Force

Industry leaders from Singapore and the UAE explore future partnerships in furniture, design and commercial sectors.

A business mission jointly organised by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and the UAE Singapore Business Council (UAESBC) has concluded on a high note, further cementing ties between Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the furniture and design sectors.

The delegation comprised senior executives from 12 Singapore-based furniture and lifestyle companies, including 13 C-suite representatives. Over the course of the mission, participants engaged with key players across government, trade chambers, retail, commercial real estate, and design ecosystems in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Hosted with the strong support of H.E. Jamal Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, and H.E. Kamal R Vaswani, Singapore’s Ambassador to the UAE, the mission featured high-level dialogues with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Chambers, Enterprise Singapore, and various free zone authorities. These engagements offered valuable insights into the UAE’s fast-growing market and its evolving opportunities across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors.

The UAE has emerged as a critical gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with increasing demand for innovative, high-quality furniture and interior solutions. The mission enabled Singapore firms to showcase their capabilities while understanding market entry strategies, sustainability standards, and procurement trends unique to the Gulf region.

UAESBC and SFIC reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening business bridges between Singapore and the UAE. The councils highlighted the value of such missions in fostering strategic collaborations and enabling companies to explore expansion and co-innovation opportunities.

Looking ahead, SFIC and UAESBC will continue to nurture these partnerships, supporting Singapore enterprises in unlocking opportunities across the wider Middle East through targeted initiatives in design, manufacturing, and supply chain integration.

Source:

Ambassador Jamal Al Suwaidi met with NUS Business School’s Master’s students ahead of their UAE study tour.

Singapore – His Excellency Jamal Al Suwaidi, the UAE Ambassador to Singapore, engaged with Master’s students specializing in Real Estate Management at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School on February 20, 2025. The session aimed to provide insights into the UAE’s dynamic real estate market ahead of the students’ scheduled study visit to the Emirates.

Held on the NUS campus, the meeting brought together 40 international students preparing for a field visit to the UAE from 24 to 27 February 2025. Ambassador Al Suwaidi delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the UAE’s economic growth and its emergence as a global hub for real estate investment. He emphasized the nation’s appeal to international talents and investors, noting, “The UAE offers unparalleled opportunities for those seeking to invest, work, and reside in a vibrant and rapidly growing market.”

The Ambassador also discussed the recent surge in the UAE’s real estate sector, with Dubai setting new records in 2024, achieving over AED760.7 billion in transactions from 226,000 deals. This growth underscores the country’s strategic initiatives and investor-friendly environment. He stated, “Our real estate market’s remarkable performance reflects the confidence global investors have in the UAE’s economic resilience and potential.”

During their upcoming visit, the students will explore key real estate developments and engage with leading public and private institutions. The itinerary includes site visits to landmark projects and discussions on regulatory frameworks governing the industry. This immersive experience aims to provide the students with a nuanced understanding of the factors driving the UAE’s real estate boom.

The collaboration between the UAE Embassy and NUS exemplifies the commitment to fostering educational and professional exchanges. Such initiatives not only enhance academic relations but also pave the way for future partnerships in various sectors.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates

Mr Chee Hong Tat, the Acting Minister for Transport, will represent Singapore at the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai, focusing on sustainable aviation fuels and global frameworks for cleaner energy.

Acting Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, is set to lead the Singapore delegation at the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for November 20-21, 2023.

The CAAF serves as a pivotal platform for Member States, industry bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to engage in discussions centered around the decarbonization of international aviation, with a specific focus on the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The upcoming third edition of the conference, CAAF/3, aims to critically review the 2050 ICAO Vision for SAF and establish a comprehensive global framework for cleaner aviation energy.

During the conference, Mr Chee is slated to deliver a High-Level Statement, reaffirming Singapore’s unwavering commitment to supporting ICAO in achieving international aviation sustainability and climate action. In addition to his official address, Mr Chee will engage in discussions with ICAO Council President Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano and counterparts from other ICAO Member States. These discussions will focus on fostering sustainable growth in international aviation while prioritizing environmental considerations.

Accompanying Mr Chee are officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, demonstrating a collaborative and coordinated approach to Singapore’s participation in this significant international aviation event.

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to the United Arab Emirates underscores the robust partnership between Singapore and the UAE, with a focus on climate cooperation and emerging economies

SINGAPORE’S Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, embarked on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 21-22, 2023. The visit commenced with a warm reception by UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by a ceremonial Welcome Ceremony, showcasing the cordiality between the two leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed also hosted a lunch in honor of PM Lee.

PM Lee and President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations and emphasized the progress made under the Singapore – UAE Comprehensive Partnership (SUCP), established in February 2019 during then-Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Singapore. The leaders commended the successful outcomes of the 14th Abu Dhabi Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) and the 3rd Singapore – UAE Joint Committee (SUJC) earlier in the year. Both nations, being small states and regional hubs, share a common interest in advocating for multilateralism and a rules-based global order. They also expressed a shared ambition to further collaborate in burgeoning areas such as the green and digital economies.

PM Lee welcomed the UAE’s interest in joining the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), signifying a commitment to deepen collaboration in digital trade. He also conveyed Singapore’s support for the UAE’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP-28) later in the year. Both leaders anticipated enhanced collaboration in the realm of global climate action and the multilateral process. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Witnessing the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements marked a significant aspect of the visit. These encompassed critical areas such as green economy, climate change, education, digital government, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and halal food certification.

In Dubai, PM Lee was hosted to lunch by UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. They acknowledged the robust people-to-people connections between Singapore and Dubai and engaged in a productive discussion on strategies to bolster cooperation.

PM Lee’s itinerary also included a meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attendance at a reception for Overseas Singaporeans later in the afternoon.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore avenues of cooperation in various sectors

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has went for an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 17th to 22nd October 2023, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud and UAE’s President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, respectively. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh, KSA, on 20th October 2023

During his stay in KSA from 17th to 20th October 2023, PM Lee will engage in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and convene meetings with other prominent Saudi leaders. The agenda will encompass a comprehensive briefing on KSA’s Vision 2030 and a reception in honour of overseas Singaporeans. In addition to the capital city Riyadh, PM Lee will explore the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Madinah and Al Ula.

ASEAN-GCC Council Summit
The inaugural ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit to be held in Riyadh on 20th October 2033 promises an important platform for ASEAN and GCC Leaders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening ties and expanding collaboration into progressive domains such as green and digital economies. The GCC, which comprises Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, first established ties with ASEAN in 1990.

In the subsequent leg of his journey, Prime Minister Lee will go on to the UAE from 21st to 22nd October 2023. His itinerary includes meetings with President Sheikh Mohamed and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince HH Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Furthermore, a visit to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is scheduled, affording the Prime Minister a firsthand insight into the UAE’s ambitious energy transition plans. Alongside Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Lee will touch base in Dubai, engaging with Emirati leaders and gracing a reception held in honour of Overseas Singaporeans.

Accompanying the Prime Minister during his visit to KSA are Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing; Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health, and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli; and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng.

In the UAE, Prime Minister Lee will be joined by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamed Maliki Osman, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng; Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Amy Khor; and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Janil Puthucheary.

During Prime Minister Lee’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will assume the role of Acting Prime Minister.

Source – MFA Singapore