UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy has completed an official visit to Australia aimed at widening cooperation in trade, defence, investment, energy security and regional diplomacy, as both countries seek to convert a strengthened political relationship into deeper strategic and commercial engagement.Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister, welcomed Al Hashimy during the 26-27 May visit and reaffirmed Canberra’s commitment to its partnership with the UAE. The talks came after the two countries elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2025, a year that also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations. The visit underlined how the relationship has moved beyond aviation and trade into security coordination, climate cooperation and regional crisis management.
Al Hashimy also met Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, following his 16 May visit to the UAE and talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their discussions covered defence cooperation, regional stability and the wider economic impact of instability in the Gulf, including risks to energy flows, maritime security and global supply chains.
Security formed a prominent part of the engagement. Australia had earlier announced defensive military support for Gulf security, including the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft for an initial four-week mission and the provision of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the UAE. Albanese has described that support as defensive, linked both to the protection of Australians in the region and assistance to a close partner facing heightened security threats.
The UAE has framed the talks around the need for a comprehensive settlement to regional tensions, including concerns over missile and drone capabilities, proxy networks, nuclear risks and threats to international maritime routes. The emphasis reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader diplomatic position: seeking stronger international coordination while maintaining its role as a commercial hub exposed to shocks in energy markets and shipping lanes.
Economic cooperation remained central to the visit. Al Hashimy held talks with Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, focusing on the UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in November 2024 and in force since 1 October 2025. The agreement is Australia’s first free trade agreement with a Middle East partner and is designed to remove tariffs on more than 99 per cent of Australia’s goods exports to the UAE once fully implemented.
Bilateral trade has already shown momentum. UAE figures place two-way trade at $5.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.2 billion in 2024, representing growth of more than 35 per cent. Australian data values two-way trade with the UAE at A$12.7 billion in 2024-25, while two-way investment stock stood at A$23.7 billion in 2024. The difference in headline figures reflects varying measurement bases, but both sets point to a growing commercial relationship.
The agreement is expected to benefit sectors including dairy, red meat, oilseeds, horticulture, aluminium, vehicle parts, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and professional services. It also creates more predictable conditions for education, financial services, tourism, environmental services and health-related businesses. Priority investment areas include renewable energy, data centres, artificial intelligence, minerals, infrastructure, food and agriculture.
The UAE remains Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, while Australia is seeking to diversify export markets and deepen commercial ties with Gulf economies. The CEPA also gives Australian companies a stronger platform into the wider Gulf Cooperation Council market, where demand is rising for food security, clean energy, education, digital infrastructure and advanced services.
People-to-people links have reinforced the relationship. More than 30,000 Australians live in the UAE, supported by extensive air connectivity through Emirates and Etihad. Australian education institutions have a visible presence in the UAE, including university campuses, school partnerships and scholarship pathways. Around 350 UAE students studied in Australia in 2025, while 20 Australian universities are recognised under the UAE’s Ministry of Education system.
Al Hashimy’s programme also included meetings with Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Anne Aly, Minister for International Development, and Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration. Discussions covered humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, water security, energy resilience and regional peace efforts.
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