Uganda and the United Arab Emirates are set to deepen trade and investment ties at the 5th Edition of the UAE–Uganda Business Forum, scheduled for October 26–29, 2026, as bilateral trade between the two countries continues to expand.

The four-day forum will be held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, bringing together senior government officials, investors, business leaders, financial institutions, chambers of commerce and other private-sector players from Uganda and the UAE.

Organisers say the forum will focus on turning growing diplomatic and commercial relations into concrete business transactions, investment commitments, export deals and partnerships.

The UAE has emerged as an increasingly important market and investment partner for Uganda, with bilateral trade reportedly rising from $600 million in 2018 to $2.7 billion in 2024 and $4.7 billion in 2025.

Foreign direct investment from the UAE into Uganda has also increased significantly, rising from about $300 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2025, according to figures contained in the forum’s press statement.

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The UAE has also become home to a growing Ugandan diaspora. The number of Ugandans living in the Gulf state was estimated at more than 150,000 in 2025, compared with about 50,000 in 2018.

The forum will place particular emphasis on agriculture and agro-processing, trade and exports, mining and minerals, tourism, infrastructure, energy, logistics and air cargo, manufacturing, financial services and technology.

Ugandan officials and business representatives are expected to use the platform to showcase the country’s investment and export potential while seeking access to UAE buyers, investors and strategic partners.

A central objective will be to position Uganda as a competitive destination for investment and a reliable source of products for the UAE and wider Gulf markets.

The organisers said the forum is also intended to strengthen economic and commercial diplomacy by facilitating market intelligence, business matchmaking and support for Ugandan companies seeking international markets.

Unlike previous engagements that may have focused primarily on dialogue, organisers said the success of this year’s forum will be judged by tangible outcomes.

“The success of this Forum will ultimately be measured not only by the number of meetings held, but by the contracts signed, investments secured, exports generated, partnerships established and jobs created,” the statement said.

The private sector is therefore being encouraged to participate actively, with Ugandan businesses, exporters, investors, financial institutions and government agencies expected to use the forum to identify commercial opportunities.

The forum comes as Uganda seeks to expand its export markets and attract foreign capital into productive sectors of the economy.

For Ugandan producers, the UAE presents a strategic gateway to Gulf markets, while UAE investors are being encouraged to explore opportunities in Uganda’s agriculture, energy, minerals, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure and technology sectors.

The four-day programme will take participants across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, allowing Ugandan enterprises to engage directly with potential investors, buyers and business partners in different commercial hubs.

Organisers say the growing relationship between the two countries provides a foundation for moving from diplomatic cooperation towards stronger trade, investment and job-creation outcomes.

Ugandan businesses and other stakeholders have consequently been urged to participate in the October forum and use the platform to secure market access, investment and long-term commercial partnerships.

The 5th UAE–Uganda Business Forum is expected to provide another test of whether the rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment can translate into more opportunities for Ugandan enterprises, exporters and workers.