UAE and Lebanon Forge Closer Economic Ties with Revival of Joint Business Council

The UAE and Lebanon have officially revived a joint business council designed to boost trade, increase investment, and foster new corporate partnerships between the two nations. The formal agreement was established between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Lebanon during the UAE-Lebanon Business Forum held in Beirut.

The accord was signed by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, vice chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers and chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside Mohamed Choucair, chairman of the Lebanese federation. Designed to serve as a strategic platform, the joint UAE-Lebanon Business Council will facilitate the exchange of market intelligence, promote investment opportunities, and drive joint ventures.

Led by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, an 80-member UAE delegation participated in the Beirut forum, which also yielded four additional agreements targeting diverse economic sectors. Business leaders attending the event expressed optimism about securing early investment advantages in key areas such as logistics, agriculture, energy, aviation, and tourism.

This renewed economic cooperation revives a framework initially established in 2008, following a period of diplomatic strain that began in 2021. Relations between the nations have since normalized following the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's President in January 2025, the subsequent reopening of the UAE embassy in Beirut, and a high-level presidential visit to Abu Dhabi.

Reflecting this renewed momentum, bilateral non-oil trade reached $4.2 billion in 2025, marking a 35.6 per cent annual increase according to Wam. The newly revitalized business council will continue to prioritize high-growth sectors, streamline market entry, and support direct engagement between entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.