Visit to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Oct 2026

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong wrapped up a meaningful visit to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 18 to 22 October 2026. These were PM Wong’s first visits to the Middle East as Prime Minister.

In Doha, PM Wong met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

He also called on His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. They co-chaired the ninth Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC) and agreed to work towards upgrading their relations to a Strategic Partnership. This will open up new opportunities for cooperation in trade and investment, energy security, AI and digitalisation.

In the UAE, Prime Minister Wong visited Abu Dhabi, where he spoke with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Both leaders started negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and exchanged views on regional developments and the importance of restoring peace and stability in the Middle East. They also discussed how to strengthen ties between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially as Singapore prepares to chair ASEAN in 2027.

PM Wong also met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as UAE business leaders.

PM Wong’s last stop was in Dubai, where he spoke with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

PM Wong also caught up with overseas Singaporeans at receptions in Doha and Dubai.

As Singapore prepares to host the ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, PM Wong looks forward to welcoming the Emir of Qatar and President of UAE to Singapore next year, and to building even stronger partnerships in the years ahead.

(MDDI Photos by Sean Koh)