Market spotlight: UAE - Leveraging the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

The UAE is a global hub for trade and commerce. It offers a diverse range of trade opportunities for Australian businesses looking to grow and diversify internationally, particularly across food and agriculture, technology, health and education. Its strategic location at the centre of Europe, Asia and Africa, coupled with its world-class ports and network of trade agreements, makes it a major gateway for international trade and logistics.

Join Austrade Middle East trade specialists and Australian companies for a market briefing exploring commercial insights and trends, practical information on doing business in the UAE and the benefits of the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for Australian exporters.

Key topics

• Practical information on doing business in the UAE
• Sector insights – agrifood, technology, health and education
• Overview of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) benefits for Australia exporters

Who it's for

Australian exporters looking to grow and diversify into the UAE and wider Middle East.

Speakers

Mounir Sankary

Deputy Consul General and Trade and Investment Commissioner, Dubai

Mounir supports Australian businesses in markets across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. He also manages infrastructure, technology, healthcare, mining and Net Zero initiatives.

Mounir was the Consul and Trade Commissioner UAE and Counsellor and Trade Commissioner Iran. As Deputy Commissioner General Expo 2020 Dubai, he delivered Australia's business program for the Australian Pavilion. This resulted in over AUD280 million in business outcomes.

Bryony Hilless

General Consul Dubai and General Manager Middle East, Africa, Pakistan

Bryony joined Austrade in May 2023 as General Manager Middle East and Africa with responsibility for Austrade operations across the region including Pakistan. She also holds the position of Consul-General of Australia to Dubai.

Prior to joining Austrade, Bryony was Executive Director of Study Queensland for the Queensland state government’s investment promotion agency Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). She also previously led TIQ’s strategy, performance and engagement functions.

Damon Holmes

Business Development Manager, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

Damon Holmes is the Business Development Manager for the Middle East and North Africa region at Meat and Livestock Australia, based in Dubai. He leads initiatives that elevate the visibility and preference for Australian beef, lamb and goat meat across key markets. Damon’s lifelong connection to the red meat industry began on his family’s beef cattle property in central Queensland. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience managing critical components of Australia’s food safety and traceability systems.

Priyash Behary Paray

CEO and Managing Director, Chemist Warehouse, UAE

Priyash is the CEO and Managing Director of Chemist Warehouse UAE, leading the company’s entry into the Middle East market. Priyash has been a key figure within the Chemist Warehouse Group for two decades, contributing significantly to its growth and strategic direction. His leadership journey began as a managing partner overseeing multiple pharmacy locations across Australia, where he focused on operational excellence, customer care, and community engagement. Priyash is also an accomplished pharmacy executive with more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and retail health sector.