Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set for his inaugural visit to the Middle East as the head of government this week, with planned stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visit highlights Singapore’s commitment to strengthening ties with the region and engaging in meaningful diplomatic dialogue.
Details of the Visit
From October 18 to 20, PM Wong will be in Doha, followed by visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from October 20 to 22. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has confirmed that he will be visiting at the invitation of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This trip comes after several visits to the region by Singaporean ministers earlier in 2026, underscoring a continuous effort to enhance bilateral relations.
Discussions on Key Regional Issues
During his time in Qatar, PM Wong will meet with Sheikh Tamim and co-chair the ninth Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC). This committee, founded in 2006, serves as a vital platform for strategic discussions on enhancing relations between the two nations. The last meeting was held in August of 2023, where both leaders explored opportunities for cooperation. The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on regional developments and mutual interests in areas like energy security and economic resilience, as highlighted by the PMO.
Strengthening Economic Ties with Qatar
Qatar holds a significant position as Singapore’s third-largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a total trade volume of $8.53 billion in 2025. The country is recognized as a leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas globally, making it a crucial energy supplier for Singapore. Recent exchanges between ministers from both countries have included various discussions on topics such as professional exchanges and lessons learned from recent conflicts, aimed at cementing bilateral ties.
Engagements in the UAE
Following his engagements in Qatar, PM Wong will visit the UAE, starting with a meeting in Abu Dhabi with President Sheikh Mohamed and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His itinerary includes a stop in Dubai to engage with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The UAE is Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching $27.9 billion in goods and $12.8 billion in services as of 2025. This visit marks another step in the ongoing diplomatic journey, as both nations celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
In conclusion, PM Wong’s Middle Eastern visit is a clear indication of Singapore’s dedication to enhancing its diplomatic and economic ties within the region. Through strategic discussions and engagements, the Prime Minister aims to reinforce mutual interests while fostering cooperation across various sectors. This visit, alongside the participation of several cabinet members, reflects Singapore’s structured approach toward building solid relationships with key Middle Eastern partners.