UAE Strengthens Economic Ties with European Union

A high-level UAE delegation, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, visited Brussels to engage with senior European Union (EU) officials and Belgian government representatives.

The visit aimed to enhance economic ties, promote investment opportunities, and identify areas for further collaboration.

The EU is the UAE’s second-largest global trade partner, with non-oil trade reaching $67.6 billion in 2024, marking a 3.6% increase from 2023. Discussions with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, focused on expanding investment flows in high-growth sectors such as logistics, renewable energy, and e-commerce.

During a roundtable at the European Policy Centre, Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to open trade and highlighted the benefits of the country’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program. Meanwhile, a bilateral meeting with EU Commissioner Maria Luis Albuquerque explored financial sector innovations, including blockchain and decentralized finance, to support global trade.

Meetings with Belgian ministers reinforced the UAE’s growing trade relationship with Belgium, which reached $4.7 billion in non-oil trade in 2024. Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in energy, logistics, and manufacturing.

The visit reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to solidify its position as a global trade and investment leader by strengthening economic partnerships across all 27 EU member states.

News Source: Emirates News Agency