Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait share deep-rooted, brotherly relations grounded in history, shared values, and continuous coordination across Gulf, Arab, and regional platforms. This longstanding partnership is reflected in close cooperation across multiple sectors, most notably in air transport, which has served for decades as a strong bridge for communication and economic and social integration between the two countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, air connectivity between the UAE and Kuwait began in the 1960s, with Kuwait Airways among the first airlines to operate at Dubai International Airport. These ties were bolstered with the establishment of Emirates Airline in the 1980s, with Kuwait as one of its early destinations, and later with Etihad Airways linking Abu Dhabi and Kuwait from 2006.
In this context, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized the significance of their relationship. He stated that the period from January 29 to February 4 marks a celebration of the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait under the slogan 'UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever.' This occasion reaffirms that these fraternal ties are reflected daily through economic and social integration and close cooperation on regional and international matters.
He highlighted air transport as a prominent sector of bilateral cooperation, noting that efficient travel and transport flows enhance economic and investment cooperation, connect communities, and deepen human and cultural ties. Currently, there are 174 weekly direct flights operated by the national carriers of both countries, averaging 25 direct flights per day. The number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting the UAE reached 400,000 in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 6% compared to 2024.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, echoed these sentiments, noting that civil aviation stands as one of the most important bridges reflecting the closeness between the two nations. Continued coordination and integration in air transport contribute to supporting development paths, enhancing tourism, and reinforcing the position of both countries as key aviation hubs in the region.
The Air Services Agreement between the UAE and Kuwait, signed on May 28, 2015, further solidified their cooperation. The agreement, liberalized under the third and fourth freedoms, imposes no limits on the number of weekly flights, providing a flexible framework that supports continued growth in travel movement between the two countries.
Cooperation in air navigation also represents a strong pillar of bilateral air transport relations, with institutions in both countries engaged in joint cooperation programs that include shared training and coordination in airspace management. This momentum in bilateral relations underscores the deep social and cultural closeness between the two brotherly peoples, making the UAE and Kuwait preferred destinations for families and visitors from both sides, supported by ease of mobility, integrated infrastructure and services, and diverse tourism and leisure offerings.