UAE–South Korea CEPA comes into force on May 1

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and South Korea will officially enter into force on May 1, 2026.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in economic relations between the two countries, and is set to unlock new trade and investment opportunities across a range of sectors and support deeper private-sector collaboration.

This partnership marks South Korea’s first trade agreement with a country in the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.

Under the pact, tariffs will be eliminated or reduced on 91.2 per cent of traded goods and services, creating new opportunities for exporters to access one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

The CEPA will also remove unnecessary barriers to trade, enhance market access for services and provide a structured framework for investment and cooperation, particularly in future-oriented sectors such as technology, renewable energy and healthcare.

Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $6.9 billion in 2025, with the agreement expected to support further growth.

The UAE is South Korea’s largest trading partner in the GCC, with a combined $10 billion invested in each other’s markets.

There are many Korean companies already established in the UAE, which offers substantial potential to create long-lasting, mutual beneficial opportunities between the two economies.