UAE
Gateway to Global Growth: Landmark UAE-Ukraine CEPA Formally Enters Into Force
Immediate tariff exemptions on up to 99% of goods spark a transformative chapter for the Emirates' expanding non-oil foreign trade strategy.
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 1, 2026 · 5 min read
The UAE's ambitious global trade network achieves another historic milestone as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Ukraine officially goes live on July 1, 2026, driving massive private-sector opportunities and long-term economic resilience.
DUBAI — In a monumental move that underscores the United Arab Emirates’ status as an unrivaled global trade and logistics powerhouse, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ukraine has officially entered into force today, July 1, 2026. The operationalization of this landmark pact marks the 18th such agreement to take effect under the UAE’s progressive foreign trade agenda, clearing the path for an unprecedented surge in bilateral investments, supply chain diversification, and private-sector collaboration. The agreement introduces aggressive tariff liberalizations engineered to optimize market access for businesses in both nations. Under the freshly active terms of the CEPA, 99% of Ukrainian imports of UAE manufactured goods and 97% of Ukrainian exports to the Emirates are now completely exempt from customs duties. This sweeping elimination of trade barriers is projected to inject $369 million into the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2031, while simultaneously contributing an estimated $874 million to Ukraine’s national economy over the same timeframe. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, hailed the activation of…