Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are moving to deepen their economic partnership through expanded investment cooperation in logistics and digital financial services, with particular attention on the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The discussions took place in Dubai between Egyptian Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom and Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Chairman of DP World, as both sides explored new opportunities for investment and economic integration, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
A major focus is expanding DP World’s involvement in logistics, container management and terminal operations while leveraging the Suez Canal Economic Zone’s strategic position as a gateway connecting regional and international trade routes. Egypt is also seeking to strengthen infrastructure at partner ports to improve the movement of goods and reinforce the country’s position as a regional logistics hub.
The digital finance component reflects Egypt’s broader push to expand electronic financial transactions and support Egyptian fintech companies seeking regional growth. Officials discussed the registration of Sahel, a digital payments company backed by Egypt’s National Investment Bank, with the DIFC, which would allow it to expand its operations in the UAE and provide Egyptians living there with digital bill payment and financial settlement services.
The latest initiative builds on rapidly expanding bilateral economic ties. UAE Egypt trade reached approximately $9.7 billion in 2025, up from $6 billion in 2024, while more than 1,800 Emirati companies now operate in Egypt. The logistics and digital finance push could therefore create a new channel for UAE capital and expertise to support Egypt’s trade infrastructure and digital economy while strengthening the two countries’ position as interconnected commercial hubs.
