Australia and the United Arab Emirates: Strengthening ties for a sustainable future
At a glance
The November 2024 signing of the UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) reflects both governments’ shared and resilient approach to diversifying beyond traditional trading partners, particularly in the context of renewed protectionism and broader geopolitical disruptions.
Significantly, the quality and pace of the agreement also reflect a shared determination to strengthen bilateral relations between the two economies — and a special acknowledgement to government officials for delivering such an ambitious trade agreement at record speed.
CEPA is particularly impressive because it extends well beyond standard free trade agreement provisions around market access and regulatory compliance. Reflecting the modern and dynamic cultures of Australia and the UAE, it includes a dedicated chapter on environmental collaboration, women’s economic empowerment and First Nations trade and cooperation.
With Australia and the UAE committed to achieving net zero by 2050, CEPA also heralds a new standard in ambitious bilateral cooperation in sustainability, including a dedicated chapter on environmental priorities and the transition to net zero.
But it doesn’t stop there. To drive transformational progress at the industry level, CEPA is complemented by five investment MOUs covering renewable energy; infrastructure; data centres and artificial intelligence; minerals and mining; and food and agriculture. These MOUs aim to accelerate investment across the value chain in critical sectors, unlocking opportunities for innovation and creating technological pathways.
As a proud Australian company with more than two decades of experience in the UAE, GHD collaborates with clients to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come. Aligning closely with CEPA’s sustainability priorities, GHD offers strategic advisory services and the technical know-how to help businesses unlock opportunities and drive innovation in decarbonisation and economic resilience.
As a trusted partner, GHD can support your CEPA ambitions with extensive experience across the project lifecycle in:
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Large-scale renewable energy projects (including hydrogen, solar, wind, pumped hydro, and battery storage)
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Critical minerals and value chain integration
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Data centre development and safeguarding
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Sustainable agriculture and food-security solutions
Please reach out for more information on how GHD can assist in leveraging CEPA opportunities.
Fiona Websdane, a former Australian diplomat and trade representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is GHD’s Business Group Leader for Strategic Consulting, based in Abu Dhabi.