UAE Austria Trade Ties Deepen As Roundtable Boosts Bilateral Investment And Collaboration

Senior officials from the United Arab Emirates and Austria held a business roundtable that focused on strengthening private sector ties and expanding UAE-Austria trade. The talks concentrated on non-oil commerce, investment flows and collaboration in advanced industries, while also reviewing progress on wider trade agreements between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

The discussions built on the first UAE-Austria Business Roundtable that took place in November last year, signalling continued commitment from both governments. Officials underlined that non-oil trade between the UAE and Austria rose 15.8 percent year-on-year, reaching US$2.1 billion in 2025, highlighting growing commercial integration between the partners.

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Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, hosted Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and a group of Austrian business executives at the session. Al Zeyoudi emphasised Austria’s role as a key partner inside the European Union and underlined the value of regular dialogue with the Austrian private sector.

Al Zeyoudi stated, "Our partnership with Austria continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for trade and investment that will benefit both nations. By fostering private sector collaboration, we are unlocking new avenues for mutual benefit in sectors like technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing." The minister highlighted how these sectors align with the UAE’s diversification plans and Austria’s high-tech capabilities.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger described the UAE as a central economic partner in the Gulf region for Austria. Meinl-Reisinger said, "The United Arab Emirates is Austria’s most important business partner in the whole GCC region and an important strategic partner. I therefore visit the United Arab Emirates today accompanied by a business delegation."

She added, "Together with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi we discussed how to further increase our trade and our economic cooperation in various areas such as AI or sustainability. We also took stock of the ongoing CEPA-negotiations between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. Austria with its export-oriented economy stands to benefit from free trade, be it with MERCOSUR, India or the UAE. This is why I do hope for a swift conclusion of these talks as in times of rising protectionism we need to open doors instead of closing them." Her comments linked UAE-Austria trade goals with Austria’s broader free trade agenda.

Al Zeyoudi encouraged Austrian companies at the meeting to use the UAE’s investment environment as a launchpad for growth. The minister pointed to the country’s infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and connectivity, explaining that the UAE provides access not only to Middle East markets but also to Africa and Asia through an integrated logistics network.

The roundtable brought together a broad mix of Emirati and Austrian enterprises, reflecting the diverse nature of UAE-Austria trade and cooperation. Participants represented healthcare, industrial technology, construction, energy, urban development and business support services, creating opportunities for sector-specific talks on future projects and joint ventures.

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Alongside the main discussions, organisers held focused bilateral sessions between Emirati firms and Austrian counterparts. These meetings addressed collaboration in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism and technology. Delegates noted that such projects could increase trade volumes, support job creation in both economies and build durable, mutually beneficial commercial links over the long term.

With inputs from WAM