UAE CEPA 2025: Advancing global trade through expansion
In 2025, the UAE’s expansion of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) marks a major step in its drive for economic diversification and global trade growth. The CEPA framework goes beyond traditional free-trade deals, fostering deeper market integration, regulatory alignment, and investment cooperation.
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To date, the UAE has concluded 28 agreements, with 13 already in force, reaffirming its position as a leading global trade and investment hub. This year, six new CEPAs were signed with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo. The UAE has also finalised negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia), with signing expected soon, while talks with Japan and other partners are nearing completion and additional agreements are expected before the end of 2025.
“We advise companies on regulatory compliance and market access, and demonstrate the practical implications of the UAE's expanding CEPA network.”
Jakob Kisser, Lawyer, Managing Partner, STROHAL LEGAL Consultants – Member of ECOVIS International, Ras al Khaimah, UAE
Content and significance of the CEPA model
The CEPA model goes far beyond standard free-trade agreements (FTAs). It integrates provisions for trade in services, digital trade, investment protection, and public procurement, while ensuring transparent dispute-settlement mechanisms and clear implementation timelines. Notably, the UAE–Jordan CEPA, which came into force in May 2025, allows products originating in UAE free zones to qualify for preferential treatment – an innovative feature that broadens market access for UAE-based manufacturers.
The “Projects of the 50” strategy is a national initiative through which the UAE launched CEPAs with eight major global markets. Aimed at boosting annual trade by AED 40 billion and doubling the national economy from AED 1.4 trillion to AED 3 trillion within a decade, these partnerships target markets representing 10 percent of global GDP and 26 percent of the world’s population which offer significant potential for trade, investment, and business collaboration.
The UAE as a global economic hub
The CEPA ecosystem offers major opportunities for businesses and investors as the UAE expands its network of agreements. These partnerships provide clear benefits – enhanced market access, lower tariffs, simplified customs procedures, and transparent trade rules – creating a more predictable and efficient business environment while opening new pathways for global growth. As the UAE continues to pursue additional CEPAs in 2025, stakeholders across industries must remain informed about evolving commitments and emerging trade advantages.
The Ecovis experts are convinced that the UAE’s CEPA expansion reflects a forward-looking trade vision – one that positions the UAE not only as a bridge between markets, but as a driving force shaping the next era of global economic integration.
