This week I will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In Saudi Arabia I will meet with ministers and business leaders to propel trade and investment opportunities across priority sectors, including agriculture, education, mining and renewable energy.
Saudi Arabia is a key partner for Australia in the Middle East and a significant source of foreign investment in Australia. In 2024-2025, two-way goods and services trade totalled $2.6 billion, with red meat, grain and education listed as Australia's key exports. Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds have some of the largest pools of capital in the world. Saudi investment into Australia is set to increase with nearly $9 billion worth of investment earmarked for major projects across Australia. This includes investments aligning with the Future Made in Australia agenda.
My visit to the UAE underscores the importance of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement-our first trade agreement in the Middle East.
On entry into force of the Agreement in October last year, the UAE eliminated tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australia's exports to the UAE, giving Australian exporters, producers and farmers a real competitive advantage and more opportunities to diversify trade.
I am proud to be leading the largest delegation of Australian businesses to attend one of the world's largest food trade events - Gulfood. Gulfood provides a platform to showcase Australia's world-class food and beverage in the Gulf region. It is expected that Gulfood 2026 will see the participation of around 8,500 exhibitors from over 195 countries.
While in the UAE, I look forward to meeting Ministerial counterparts, senior businesspeople, including Australian businesses working in and with the UAE.
Footage and imagery will be available from DFAT's media library:
