The 5th Edition of the UAE–Uganda Business Forum is set to take place from October 26 to 29, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates, bringing together government officials, business leaders, investors, financial institutions and other key players from Uganda and the UAE.
The four-day forum will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah and will focus on strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries. Organisers say the event will provide Ugandan businesses with an opportunity to meet UAE-based investors, buyers and potential strategic partners.
The forum comes at a time when economic relations between Uganda and the UAE are growing rapidly. According to the organisers, the UAE became a leading destination for Ugandan products in October 2025, with trade between the two countries reaching US$4.7 billion in 2025, up from US$2.7 billion in 2024 and about US$600 million in 2018.
UAE investment in Uganda has also increased significantly. Foreign direct investment from the UAE reportedly rose from about US$300 million in 2018 to US$3.5 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of the Gulf country to Uganda’s economy.
The UAE has also become an important destination for Ugandans. The number of Ugandans living in the country has grown to more than 150,000 as of 2025, compared to about 50,000 in 2018.
This year’s forum will focus on key sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, trade and exports, mining and minerals, tourism, infrastructure, energy, logistics and air cargo, manufacturing, financial services and technology.
A major aim of the forum is to promote Uganda as an attractive destination for investment while helping local producers and exporters access the UAE and wider Gulf markets.
The organisers say the forum will go beyond discussions and meetings by focusing on practical business outcomes, including contracts, investment commitments, export opportunities, partnerships and job creation.
Ugandan businesses, exporters, investors, financial institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders have therefore been encouraged to participate and take advantage of the opportunities available in the UAE market.
The forum will also support Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy by creating opportunities for business matchmaking, market research and assistance to Ugandan enterprises seeking to enter international markets.
The organisers believe that the growing relationship between Uganda and the UAE presents a major opportunity for both countries to increase trade, attract investment and create jobs.
With trade already reaching billions of dollars and UAE investment in Uganda continuing to rise, the 5th UAE–Uganda Business Forum is expected to provide a platform for turning the strong bilateral relationship into more business deals and shared economic growth.
