South Africa Strengthens Gulf Trade Partnerships

South Africa is intensifying trade and investment ties with Gulf states, underscored by President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the UAE on 12 January 2026 and the UAE's $1 billion 'AI for Development' pledge. While officials frame partnerships as structurally resilient, ongoing regional tensions—conflicts in Gaza, Iran-related risks, and Red Sea shipping disruptions—pose contingency risks for exporters and energy-infrastructure projects.