Why expand your business into the Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa present significant growth opportunities for Queensland exporters, with two-way trade valued at AUD $3.2 billion in 2024.
This thriving trade relationship is underpinned by strong demand for Queensland’s high-quality goods and services across a range of sectors.
With a young, increasingly connected population and rising investment in infrastructure, digital transformation and sustainable development, the region is attracting global interest across multiple sectors.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, growth is projected to strengthen to 2.7 percent in 2025 and average 3.9 percent in 2026-27. (Source: Global Economics Prospects report).
Expanding export opportunities in the Middle East
- Queensland exported AUD $1.4 billion to the Middle East and total trade is valued at $1.9 billion.
- In just six years, Queensland’s total exports to the middle East have increased by nearly half a billion dollars ($949.3 million in 2019).
- Metal-related exports, including ores and metal scrap, led Queensland’s trade with the Middle East, hitting $719.2 million in value.
- Meat exports followed closely, reaching $355.1 million, driven by the region’s strong and consistent appetite for premium Australian meat.
- Queensland’s horticulture sector is also making significant inroads, with vegetables and fruit exports to the Middle East climbing to around $70 million. This is double the value of 2023 exports, highlighting the region’s increasing interest in fresh, high-quality produce from Queensland.
(Figures: ABS 2024 data)
Queensland businesses positioned for growth in the Middle East
Trade and investment between Queensland and the Gulf region are poised for significant growth, underpinned by strategic agreements and ambitious national development agendas in the region.
Governments across the Middle East are rolling out bold economic transformation plans including: We the UAE 2031, Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030 and New Kuwait 2035.
These showcase programs are creating a surge in demand for international expertise and innovative solutions.
The region’s expanding role as a host for global events, including Expo 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and the Asian Games, presents growing opportunities for Queensland businesses in premium food and beverage, sports tech, education, mining and METS, healthcare fintech, e-commerce and professional services sector.
King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Museum of the future, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Skyline of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Growing demand for Queensland food and beverages produce
With meat and fresh produce already in high demand, Queensland’s farmers are primed to benefit from the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This removes tariffs on key exports like beef, sheep meat and dairy.
In 2024, Queensland exported $355.1 million worth of meat to the Middle East, reflecting strong and sustained demand for local premium meat offerings.
Mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector opportunities
The mining sector across the Middle East and Africa is undergoing rapid transformation, with strong growth in demand for advanced equipment, processing technology, and sustainable solutions.
This evolving landscape presents a valuable opportunity for Queensland METS providers to engage with emerging projects and partnerships, particularly in markets like Saudi Arabia, where mining is a key pillar of economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Queensland companies are already strengthening their presence in the region through targeted trade delegations, including participation in high-profile events such as the Future Minerals Forum.
Middle East e-commerce boom
The Middle East e-commerce market experienced approximately 30% growth in 2024, presenting a compelling opportunity for Queensland exporters across consumer sectors.
This surge in growth was primarily driven by rising online consumer spending in groceries, electronics and fashion and improved digital infrastructure and payment systems.
Queensland businesses offering consumer-ready goods, particularly in agri-food, personal care, wellness, lifestyle and tech accessories, stand to benefit from this sustained regional demand. (Source: Logistics Manager – MENA E-Commerce Growth).
Fintech use and contactless payments surging
Contactless payments in the region grew significantly in 2023; market size $2.5B, expected to reach USD $5.55B by 2031. (Source: Logistics Manager – MENA E-Commerce Growth).
Queensland's exports have risen from $950 million in 2019 to $1.4 billion in 2024.
Queensland's trade with the Middle East and Africa is worth $3.2 billion.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East.
Construction in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia
Demand for professional services, education and training
The Middle East’s massive urban transformation, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia led by projects such as Qiddiya, NEOM, Red Sea Global, Dubai new airport, Dubai holding, Emaar and Nakheel projects is fuelling strong demand for professional services and talent in construction, engineering and urban planning.
The region's ambitious national programs are driving investment in smart infrastructure, logistics and sustainable urban design.
This presents growing opportunities for Queensland’s engineers and planners, environmental and infrastructure consultant and construction tech and project delivery experts.
The emerging and growing workforce is creating opportunities for world class international education and partnerships that deliver practical, job-ready skills for the future.
Middle East events and missions
Dubai Airshow
When: 17-21 November 2025.
About: Dubai Airshow brings together more than 1,500 exhibitors from 98 countries.
Where: DWC, Dubai Airshow Site.
When: 17-21 November 2025.
About: Dubai Airshow brings together more than 1,500 exhibitors from 98 countries.
Where: DWC, Dubai Airshow Site.
IDEX
When: 25-29 February 2027.
About: International Defence Exhibition and Conference brings together more than 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries.
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
When: 25-29 February 2027.
About: International Defence Exhibition and Conference brings together more than 1,565 exhibitors from 65 countries.
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
EDGEx Education Global Exhibition
When: 13-16 April 2025.
About: Through a blend of education technology showcase, latest innovation, keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions, EDGEx will explore the transformative power of innovation across various sectors.
Where: Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
GESS Dubai Education Exhibition and Conference
When: 11-13 November 2025.
About: GESS brings together more than 300 exhibitors from 98 countries.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1,2 & 3.
When: 13-16 April 2025.
About: Through a blend of education technology showcase, latest innovation, keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions, EDGEx will explore the transformative power of innovation across various sectors.
Where: Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
GESS Dubai Education Exhibition and Conference
When: 11-13 November 2025.
About: GESS brings together more than 300 exhibitors from 98 countries.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1,2 & 3.
Gulfood 2026
When: 26-30 January 2026.
About: Gulfoods brings together more than 6,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries.
Where: Dubai, World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City.
Saudi Food show
When: 12-14 May 2025.
About: The Saudi Food Show brought together more than 1,300 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
Where: Riyadh, Convention Centre.
WHX Dubai
When: 9-12 February 2026.
About: WHX Dubai brings together more than 4,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries.
Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre.
ABU Dhabi Global Health Week
When: 7-9 April 2026.
About: Department of Health Abu Dhabi brings together more than 141 exhibitors from 95 countries.
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
Beauty World Middle East
When: 27-29 October 2025.
About: Beautyworld Middle East brings together more than 2,000 exhibitors for a gateway to business opportunities, market trends, and valuable connections with industry leaders.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
When: 9-12 February 2026.
About: WHX Dubai brings together more than 4,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries.
Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre.
ABU Dhabi Global Health Week
When: 7-9 April 2026.
About: Department of Health Abu Dhabi brings together more than 141 exhibitors from 95 countries.
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
Beauty World Middle East
When: 27-29 October 2025.
About: Beautyworld Middle East brings together more than 2,000 exhibitors for a gateway to business opportunities, market trends, and valuable connections with industry leaders.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dubai International Boat Show
When: 8-12 April 2026.
About: Dubai International Boat Show brings together more than 1,000 brands and more than 200 boats and watercraft for display.
Where: Dubai Harbour.
When: 8-12 April 2026.
About: Dubai International Boat Show brings together more than 1,000 brands and more than 200 boats and watercraft for display.
Where: Dubai Harbour.
Future Minerals Forum
When: 13-15 January 2026.
About: A world class agenda dedicated to the advancement of Mineral Supply and production.
Where: King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mining Indaba
When: 9-12 February 2026.
About: Mining companies will gain access to a platform with government officials and enhance asset portfolios through one-on-one meetings.
Where: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Mining show
When: 17-18 November 2025.
About: The Mining show brings together more than 250 exhibitors and more than 150 speakers.
Where: Za'abeel Halls, DWTC, Dubai.
When: 13-15 January 2026.
About: A world class agenda dedicated to the advancement of Mineral Supply and production.
Where: King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mining Indaba
When: 9-12 February 2026.
About: Mining companies will gain access to a platform with government officials and enhance asset portfolios through one-on-one meetings.
Where: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Mining show
When: 17-18 November 2025.
About: The Mining show brings together more than 250 exhibitors and more than 150 speakers.
Where: Za'abeel Halls, DWTC, Dubai.
Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor's Forum
When: 27-29 October 2025.
About: Recognised as an opportunity to foster collaboration for sustainability, growth and inclusion, the Summit attracts the highest calibre of delegates and innovators from across the Asia Pacific region, with over 15,000 delegates from more than 600 cities participating to date.
Where: Dubai.
When: 27-29 October 2025.
About: Recognised as an opportunity to foster collaboration for sustainability, growth and inclusion, the Summit attracts the highest calibre of delegates and innovators from across the Asia Pacific region, with over 15,000 delegates from more than 600 cities participating to date.
Where: Dubai.
Global Infrastructure Expo
When: 15-17 September 2025.
About: Global Infrastructure Expo brings together more than 300 exhibitors from 25 countries.
Where: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Saudi Arabia.
Cityscape Global
When: 17-20 November 2025.
About: Cityscape Global brings together more than 444 exhibitors and 560 speakers.
Where: Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Saudi Arabia.
When: 15-17 September 2025.
About: Global Infrastructure Expo brings together more than 300 exhibitors from 25 countries.
Where: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Saudi Arabia.
Cityscape Global
When: 17-20 November 2025.
About: Cityscape Global brings together more than 444 exhibitors and 560 speakers.
Where: Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Saudi Arabia.
GITEX and Expand North Star
When: 13-17 October 2025.
About: GITEX Global brings together more than 6,500 exhibitors from more than 180 countries.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
LEAP
When: 13-16 April 2026.
About: LEAP brings together more than 680 start-ups and more than 1,800 speakers.
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
When: 13-17 October 2025.
About: GITEX Global brings together more than 6,500 exhibitors from more than 180 countries.
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre.
LEAP
When: 13-16 April 2026.
About: LEAP brings together more than 680 start-ups and more than 1,800 speakers.
Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Meet Kassem Younes PSM
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner – Middle East
With over two decades of business experience, including 18 years in senior roles with the State Government of Victoria, Kassem Younes has extensive experience in international market development.
He has championed innovative ideas and driven growth across keys sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, sports diplomacy, E-sports and sustainability and successfully established new clients for Australian companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, South Africa and Central Asia.
Working with the Government of Victoria, Kassem was Regional Director and then promoted to General Manager (Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia).
He led strategic initiatives to enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region, significantly increasing bilateral business partnerships and economic growth.
Prior to his career in government, Kassem worked in business development roles in the pharmaceutical sector with Novartis and Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical.
In 2024 Kassem was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding achievement in trade and investment between Victoria, Australia and the Middle East region. Read more about Kassem.
United Arab Emirates Trade Agreement
The Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) gives a competitive advantage to Australian exporters.
Signed in November 2024, between the Australian Government and the UAE the trade deal delivers unprecedented UAE market access and preferential treatment to Australian:
- farmers
- producers
- manufacturers
- services providers.
The trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on more than 99% of Australia’s exports to the UAE, once fully implemented. It is the most liberalising trade agreement the UAE has signed to date.
Key trade contacts and resources
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