- CEPA Connect assessed how the Australia–UAE CEPA will create new pathways for cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, AI, mining and education.
- Spearheaded by the Australia UAE Business Council, the closed-door meeting brought together high-ranking officials and senior industry executives for targeted discussions in Abu Dhabi.
- His Excellency Ridwaan Jadwat, Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, reaffirmed the vital partnership between government and business in advancing durable, future-focused economic relations.
In the wake of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates coming into effect in October, CEPA Connect: Bridging Business between the UAE and Australia welcomed policymakers and leading industry figures to assess the agreement’s role in reinforcing economic ties.
The gathering, co-hosted by the Australia UAE Business Council alongside Aspen Medical, GHD Global and Aurora The Agency, offered a detailed overview of CEPA’s broad agenda, covering trade liberalisation, innovation, sustainability and educational exchange while removing most tariffs and trade barriers.
During his keynote speech, His Excellency Ridwaan Jadwat described CEPA as a breakthrough agreement and the first free trade accord Australia has ever concluded with a Middle Eastern country. “CEPA is also one of the most progressive free trade agreements Australia has negotiated,” Ambassador Jadwat added. “It recognises the unique and important contribution businesses make to trade and investment. It includes a historic first-of-its kind First Nations chapter and chapters on women’s economic empowerment and the environment.”
Ellecia Saffron, Founder & Principal of Maysaffron and Advisory Board Member of the Australia–UAE Business Council, remarked that “CEPA’s success calls for close government–industry coordination to convert strategic intent into actionable trade and investment outcomes, noting that true delivery requires unified effort from government, industry and strategic connectors.”
The panel discussion, moderated by Craig Fitzgerald, Group CEO of Aspen Medical, brought together Ambassador Jadwat; Prof. Nahyan Al Helal of HMC Group; Dr Khalil Yousef of the University of Wollongong Dubai; and Tim Mawhood of GHD Business Advisory, EMEA.
Abundant opportunities for collaboration
Panellists highlighted CEPA’s potential to accelerate innovation in green and renewable energy. Tim Mawhood noted numerous opportunities in solar and wind energy, battery storage solutions, as well as sustainable aviation and maritime fuels, with both countries sharing expertise.
“I believe there are opportunities in sustainable fuels as both the UAE and Australia bring extensive experience,” Mawhood said. “These include investments in both directions and the sharing of skills. CEPA creates a strategic corridor linking the two countries, especially with the UAE’s advantageous location as a vital aviation and shipping hub.”
In healthcare, CEPA opens doors for healthtech start-ups and digital service providers in areas such as workplace wellness and remote health monitoring. It also supports training for medical professionals and deployable healthcare solutions – areas where Aspen Medical and the HMC Group excel.
Prof. Nahyan Al Helal emphasised the need for a UAE–Australia joint committee of senior officials and experts to coordinate efforts and align standards, particularly for cross-compatibility of medical licences.
“The HMC Group partnering with a leading Australian healthcare solutions company like Aspen Medical signals our commitment to advancing CEPA’s vision for the region. The establishment of a joint committee of experts will accelerate this vision and drive closer cooperation in healthcare and healthtech between the two countries,” Prof. Nahyan Al Helal said.
The discussion also referenced success stories, including UOWD’s 30-year presence in the UAE.
“The University of Wollongong’s Dubai campus was established in 1993, pioneering educational partnerships between Australia and the UAE. This semester, we welcomed a diverse cohort of students, 40% of whom came from outside the UAE – demonstrating strong international demand for an Australian degree,” Dr. Khalil Yousef said.
The road ahead
Summing up the panel discussion, Craig Fitzgerald said, “CEPA Connect underscores the shared commitment of both Australia and the UAE to economic diversification, innovation and inclusive growth, and its success lies in collaboration between both the private and public sectors.
“CEPA cannot be just seen as a piece of paper. It must be a living reality,” Ambassador Jadwat emphasised. “Frameworks within CEPA ensure a practical, sustainable, outcome-oriented approach to trade and investment between Australia and the UAE. CEPA has opened the door to vibrant trade relations for decades to come.”
In the coming months, the Australian Government will continue to promote the benefits of CEPA for Australian businesses, exporters and investors. Enterprises, investors, and thought leaders are invited to engage and help shape a future built on shared prosperity and innovation.
For more information on CEPA please visit the DFAT website and connect with the Australia UAE Business Council today.
