UAE–Serbia business forum targets stronger investment flows

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted the Abu Dhabi–Serbia Business Forum as part of ongoing efforts to position the emirate as a leading global hub for trade and investment.

The forum brought together a Serbian delegation of more than 30 companies, alongside senior officials and private-sector representatives, to explore new opportunities in industry, energy, technology, agriculture, and food security. 

Discussions centred on expanding bilateral trade, driving joint investment, and leveraging the UAE–Serbia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in June 2025.

Economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen. Non-oil trade reached US$98 million in 2024, with US$23.6 million recorded in the first quarter of 2025. 

The UAE is Serbia’s second-largest trading partner in the GCC, accounting for 43 percent of Serbia’s trade with the region.

Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said the forum reflects “a new phase of strategic cooperation” and aligns with the Chamber’s 2025–2028 roadmap to boost private-sector growth and expand access to global markets.

From Serbia’s side, Vice President Mihailo Vesović stressed that CEPA is expected to double trade volumes in the coming years, describing Serbia as a “gateway to emerging European markets” and Abu Dhabi as a long-term partner in innovation and sustainable industries.

Abu Dhabi continues to stand out with a diversified, resilient economy supported by advanced infrastructure, competitive regulation, and targeted incentives. Ongoing reforms aim to accelerate non-oil sector expansion and consolidate the emirate’s position as a preferred destination for global investors.