Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum Highlights Expanding Cooperation Across Key Strategic Sectors

The 16th session of the Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) took place in Abu Dhabi. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Dr. Tan See Leng, Singapore's Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology, co-chaired the event. They praised the robust bilateral ties and Comprehensive Partnership between the UAE and Singapore.

In 2024, the UAE remained Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with non-oil trade reaching $5.2 billion. This figure highlights the significant economic relationship between the two nations. Both parties are committed to expanding cooperation in strategic areas like healthcare, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, space, education, peaceful nuclear energy, and water scarcity.

A notable development during the forum was a new partnership in the energy sector. TAQA Transmission and Singapore Energy Interconnections (SGEI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on knowledge exchange in power interconnections and renewable energy integration. It also opens doors for future business and investment opportunities.

Al Mubarak stated, "The Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum continues to serve as a key platform to strengthen cooperation and explore areas of mutual interest between the UAE and Singapore. The various opportunities for cooperation discussed at the 2025 session reflect our shared goals to build upon our longstanding ties and to advance collaboration that supports innovation and knowledge exchange across multiple fields."

Dr. Tan See Leng expressed optimism about the growing economic partnership between Singapore and the UAE. He noted that more Singaporean companies are establishing a presence in the UAE. At a governmental level, discussions are underway on new cooperation areas such as genomics and energy. These efforts aim to strengthen and diversify collaboration between both countries.

This year marks four decades of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Singapore. The relationship is founded on a shared commitment to innovation and active engagement in trade and investments. Ambassadors from both nations attended the forum alongside senior officials and representatives from key government and private entities.

A Platform for Growth

The Abu Dhabi–Singapore Joint Forum was established in 2007. Since then, it has played a crucial role in fostering growth within this partnership. The forum provides a platform for both countries to advance cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

The forum's discussions focused on exploring new avenues for collaboration that align with shared goals of innovation and knowledge exchange across various fields.

With inputs from WAM