By Silvia Nyambura
Trade between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uganda has been growing progressively over the years. Exports from Uganda to UAE have increased by over 100% in the recent past from US$ 85 million in 2009 to just over US$ 176 million in 2012. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of UAE nationals coming into Uganda looking for investment opportunities in real estate, agriculture and manufacturing to mention but a few. This has created the need to boost efficient connectivity between these countries.
To this end UAE national airline Etihad has joined Uganda’s airspace providing services between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe. The carrier which will have 4 flights every week aims at strengthening its footprint in the East African region. Its inaugural flight touched down at Entebbe at 1 pm today.
Speaking during the launch, the company’s Vice President in charge of sales Daniel Barranger said, “Uganda is one of the fastest growing economies in the region in terms of business and tourism. Its capital Kampala is also one of the fastest growing cities and the center of trade and commerce in the country. This presents tremendous prospects. The new service will provide support to trade and commerce between the 2 countries by creating connectivity with other key markets,
