The war in Ukraine and shifting global supply chains have pushed the Middle East to look beyond Western Europe. Central Europe, and Poland in particular, is emerging as a strategic entry point for Gulf states seeking energy, logistics and security partnerships.
This is the main conclusion of a report titled „The Gulf-Central Europe Relations” by Rasha Al Joundy from the Dubai Public Policy Research Center and Dr Jakub Sławek from Gulf House at the University of Silesia. The analysis shows that energy, ports, grain corridors, Black Sea logistics, defence and Ukraine’s reconstruction are areas where the interests of both regions are increasingly overlapping.
Poland can become one of the main gateways to Central and Eastern Europe, but geography alone is not enough, the authors argue. Concrete projects, business ties and a more active presence in Middle Eastern countries are needed.
Energy and infrastructure as a foundation
After Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Europe redrew its energy supply map. Poland and its neighbours cut reliance on Russian resources and began seeking stable partners. The Gulf states see Central Europe as both a market and a base for long-term energy presence. The report highlights Saudi Aramco’s acquisition of a 30% stake in the Gdańsk refinery, Qatari LNG deliveries to Świnoujście, and the emirati Masdar’s takeover of a 1 GW renewable energy portfolio in Poland.
These are not isolated deals. They signal a shift from simple fuel trade to partnerships spanning refineries, LNG terminals, petrochemicals and the energy transition. For Poland, this means access to capital and inclusion in wider energy networks linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Ports, logistics and the Ukraine factor
The war in Ukraine proved the critical role of corridors through the Black Sea, the Danube and Central Europe. Ukrainian grain exports, industrial goods and future reconstruction depend on efficient infrastructure. Gulf operators are already investing: DP World is expanding container capacity in Romania’s port of Constanța, while AD Ports signed a framework agreement for development there. From the Gulf perspective, such ports are not just infrastructure but elements of food security, EU market access and Ukraine’s rebuild.
In this context, Poland gains new significance. The report stresses its size, location, political rise after 2022 and role in European security debates. Poland is no longer a transit country or consumer market alone; it can be a platform for energy, logistics, industrial investment and Ukraine-related projects. The Three Seas Initiative, covering the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea region, adds further weight, offering a space for capital deployment.
Defence and long-term partnerships
Defence cooperation is another expanding field. Central Europe is modernising its armies, developing drone and autonomous systems, air defence, cybersecurity and reconnaissance. Gulf states are also investing in resilience and technology transfer. The report mentions the emirati EDGE group’s activity in Hungary and Bulgaria. Given Poland’s scale of military modernisation and industrial potential, it could be a natural partner for deeper defence ties, moving beyond energy into hard security and industrial alliances.
Poland’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates has intensified. President Andrzej Duda visited the UAE several times between 2023 and 2025, and political consultations covered defence, AI, green energy, food security, trade and development. By 2025, Polish exports to the UAE reached €1.1 billion, and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Warsaw. Polish direct investment in the UAE stood at $310 million, with Emirati investment in Poland at $195 million.
– Central Europe must actively build its brand in the Middle East, present concrete projects and pursue a more consistent economic policy – wrote Rasha Al Joundy and Dr Jakub Sławek. Otherwise, it will remain a region with potential but poorly recognised by partners seeking agency, stability and long-term vision.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Mariusz Bugno / Shutterstock
