Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to embark on his inaugural visit to the Middle East as Singapore’s head of government. Scheduled for October 18 to 22, his itinerary includes significant stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This high-profile visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and bolster trade relationships while reinforcing Singapore’s commitment to dialogue in the region.
Diplomatic Engagement in Qatar
PM Wong’s trip to Qatar will take place from October 18 to 20. He is expected to meet with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss bilateral relations and collaborate on mutual interests. The two leaders will co-chair the ninth Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee (HLJC), a pivotal platform established in 2006 to guide the strategic direction between both nations. The HLJC last convened in August 2023 in Singapore, highlighting the ongoing commitment to diplomatic engagement.
During this visit, PM Wong is also scheduled to meet with Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. As Singapore’s third-largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar plays a vital role in Singapore’s economic landscape. In 2025, the total trade volume between the two nations reached an impressive $8.53 billion, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic visit.
Strengthening Ties with the UAE
Following his time in Qatar, PM Wong will head to the UAE, where he will be in Abu Dhabi from October 20 to 22. His agenda includes meetings with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed. The UAE is Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade in goods soaring to $27.9 billion in 2025, while services reached $12.8 billion in 2024.
The strengthening of ties between Singapore and the UAE is evident, particularly after the two nations celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. In 2019, both countries elevated their partnership to a comprehensive level, facilitating deeper cooperation in various sectors, including economic development and strategic initiatives. The Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum, which recently held its 17th meeting in September, exemplifies this collaboration.
Engagement with Overseas Singaporeans
During his visit, PM Wong has dedicated time to engage with Singaporeans residing overseas, hosting receptions in both Doha and Dubai. This outreach is part of a broader initiative to connect with the Singaporean diaspora and strengthen community ties abroad. He will be accompanied by several prominent ministers and officials from the Foreign Ministry and other departments, highlighting the importance of this mission for Singapore’s international relations.
As PM Wong embarks on this significant journey, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will step in as acting Prime Minister, ensuring continuity in governance while the Prime Minister underscores Singapore’s active role in fostering diplomatic and economic ties in the Middle East. This trip marks a crucial step in Singapore’s efforts to enhance partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration in energy, trade, and diplomatic dialogues in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.