Latest news with #UAEEconomicDiplomacyReport2024-2025
Mid East Info
16 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
MBRSG to Host Fifth Round of the Public Administration Forum Under the Theme ‘Strategic Horizons' - Middle East Business News and Information
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) hosted today the fifth round of the Public Administration Forum 2025 under the theme 'Strategic Horizons: The UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025 – Advancing Policy, Trade, and Global Partnerships Through Evidence-Based Insights'. The event took place at the School's premises in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), gathering an elite group of decision-makers, diplomats, economists and public policy experts, who discussed the evolving landscape of the UAE's economic diplomacy and explored its future trajectory amid ongoing geopolitical shifts and rapid global transformations. This year's forum serves as a strategic platform for unveiling the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025, prepared by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in collaboration with MBRSG, with contributions from local and international researchers. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: 'We take great pride in this platform that brings together distinguished experts and decision-makers to explore emerging economic trends. The forum represents a pivotal milestone in supporting the UAE's efforts to build a forward-looking model of economic diplomacy – one grounded in knowledge and analysis, and aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and competitiveness of government decision-making. Our partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy reflects our deep belief in the value of strategic collaboration in strengthening national capabilities to respond to global economic developments.' His Excellency added: 'This year's report highlights the UAE's growing international prominence through clear indicators that reflect the strategic use of investment flows, economic partnerships, and sovereign wealth funds. We are confident that the forum's outcomes will help shape more agile and impactful economic policies, ensuring the UAE's readiness to address future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.' From his side, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, emphasized the importance of the forum, stating: 'The Government Administration Forum serves as a strategic platform to reimagine economic diplomacy as a tool that reflects the nation's identity and global aspirations.' He explained that economic choices are no longer isolated technical decisions, but rather part of a broader narrative that requires capacity building, expanded partnerships, and the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable prosperity. He affirmed that the gathering of leaders and decision-makers during the forum reflects this direction and embodies the UAE's commitment to strengthening its global presence through innovation, integrity, and impact. The report provided a comprehensive review of the UAE's economic diplomacy strategy, with a focus on key areas including the analysis of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and their impact on national competitiveness, food security, and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. It also explored the role of sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises in advancing the UAE's soft power and expanding its global economic influence. The report examined the country's approach to navigating changes in global trade, its leadership in integrating the digital economy and climate diplomacy, and presented case studies of successful UAE economic diplomacy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Furthermore, it offered strategic recommendations to enhance institutional coordination, build diplomatic capacities, and integrate economic tools within the country's foreign policy framework. Supported by recent indicators and statistics, the report underscored the effectiveness of the UAE's economic and diplomatic strategies. The country recorded FDI inflows of USD 30.7 billion in 2023, while the number of CEPAs reached 24 by 2024, with 16 agreements already in effect. The nation's sovereign wealth funds manage substantial assets, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (USD 993 billion), Mubadala Investment Company (USD 302 billion), and the Emirates Investment Authority (USD 87 billion). The data also revealed the issuance of over 200,000 new business licenses in 2024, bringing the total number of active companies in the UAE to more than 1.1 million. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country's GDP is projected to grow by 4.2% in 2025. UAE foreign aid remains a key pillar of its human-centred foreign policy, amounting to USD 3.45 billion in 2022, with USD 2.56 billion allocated to the most vulnerable nations. These developments align with the vision of the UAE's leadership. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has affirmed that the country, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is steadily advancing towards its goal of achieving AED 4 trillion in non-oil foreign trade by 2031 – four years ahead of schedule. In Q1 2025, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade reached AED 835 billion, reflecting an 18.6% increase. Non-oil exports grew remarkably by 40.7%, reaching AED 177.3 billion and accounting for more than 21% of total foreign trade for the first time. The UAE's GDP stood at AED 1.77 trillion in 2024, with the non-oil sector contributing 75.5%. The forum's activities commenced with an opening speech delivered by H.E. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, followed by a formal speech by HE Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, who highlighted the importance of economic diplomacy in strengthening the UAE's global standing and strategic partnerships. The forum targeted a broad audience of stakeholders in the economic and diplomatic spheres, including government officials, economic diplomats, trade and policy experts, academics, business leaders, and students specialising in international affairs, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to shape a shared vision for the future of UAE economic diplomacy. The event reaffirmed MBRSG's commitment to advancing national and international dialogue on economic and public policy issues, in line with its role as a research and academic institution that contributes to policy development and the nurturing of future Emirati leaders capable of driving economic transformation with agility and foresight. The Forum's sessions covered the role of sovereign wealth funds, implications of the WTO's Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, and policy evaluations linked to economic diplomacy. Discussions addressed the importance of strengthening the UAE's global economic partnerships, with contributions from Dr. Ahmed Rashad, Lead Researcher and General Editor of the Report and Assistant Professor of Economics at AGDA, Dr. Mona Mostafa El-Sholkamy, Professor of Macroeconomic Policies and Public Finance at MBRSG, HE Amb. Husain Haqqani, Senior Research Fellow and Diplomat in Residence at AGDA, Ms. Dina Abdullah – Senior Trade Specialist and Senior Policy Advisor. The Forum Sessions were moderated by Prof. Khalid Al Wazani, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at MBRSG, Dr. Fadi Salem, Policy Research Director at MBRSG, and Mohammed Galal, Head of News at Almal Channel, Dubai TV. The fourth session shed light on the strategic and humanitarian dimensions of the UAE's foreign policy through a lecture titled 'The Strategic Importance of UAE Foreign Aid', delivered by H.E. Amb. Husain Haqqani, Senior Research Fellow and Diplomat-in-Residence at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. The lecture explored how the UAE leverages its foreign aid programmes to broaden political and economic influence and deepen international cooperation, reflecting the human-centred foundation of its foreign policy. The forum concluded with an open dialogue session that brought participants together from various disciplines to expand the scope of discussion and encourage cross-sectoral exchange among decision-makers, diplomats, business leaders, researchers, and students in international relations. The session highlighted the importance of knowledge and institutional integration in shaping a forward-looking UAE model of economic diplomacy.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
AGDA launches UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) officially launched the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024-2025 at a high-level event held at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The event served as a platform for an engaging dialogue on the UAE's expanding role in promoting international cooperation and strengthening ties between nations. It also underscored the country's pioneering leadership in the field of economic diplomacy. The report aims to deepen understanding of economic diplomacy as a strategic pillar of foreign policy, highlighting how the UAE leverages trade, aid, and investment to build global partnerships and promote sustainable economic development. It also reflects on the UAE's diplomatic and regulatory achievements in 2024, showcasing key milestones that underscore the nation's growing economic influence. In addition to local developments, the report features a dedicated section on international economic issues, making it a resource of global relevance and interest to readers worldwide. Key topics presented by Dr Ahmed Rashad, Assistant Professor at AGDA, and discussed in the report include the global economic outlook, future trends in economic diplomacy, and the UAE's active involvement in BRICS and the New Development Bank. Additionally, the strategic importance of the WTO's Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration is emphasised, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to advancing global trade and shaping international economic policy. Among the distinguished attendees were Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA, Dr Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA, and Dr Ahmad Rashad, Assistant Professor at AGDA, alongside members of AGDA's faculty and students, media representatives, and other esteemed guests from the wider diplomatic and academic communities. Commenting on the launch, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi stated, 'The United Arab Emirates is an open, outward-looking nation whose exponential growth over the last five decades has been underpinned by constructive collaboration with the international community. Our economic ambitions rest on a similar combination of frictionless trade with leading markets, high-impact investments that prioritise knowledge sharing, strategic FDI into future-focused industries, and the attraction and retention of global talent. The UAE is now a key bridge between East and West, one that facilitates the exchange of all forms of capital and supports the participation of emerging economies into global supply chains. Launched today, the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report encapsulates our nation's growing standing on the world stage - and provides a timely reminder of the benefits of cross-border cooperation.' Reflecting on the UAE's long-term vision, Ahmed Al Sayegh said, 'The UAE's role in shaping a resilient global economy is grounded in its proactive and forward-thinking approach to international relations. By actively participating in evolving global economic frameworks. The UAE continues to position itself as a leader in promoting balanced, inclusive partnerships. Modern diplomacy extends far beyond securing trade agreements; it is about building strategic alliances that inspire innovation, bolster resilience, and ensure long-term prosperity.' Nickolay Mladenov emphasised the broader mission of economic diplomacy, saying, 'Economic diplomacy empowers nations to shape global relationships through innovation, cooperation and strategic foresight. The UAE's approach reflects a commitment to building inclusive growth and impactful partnerships that strengthen its standing as a trusted and forward-looking global player.' Bringing an institutional perspective, Dr Mohammed Al Dhaheri added, 'This report is not only a reflection of the UAE's strategic economic direction, but a learning tool and a resource that helps equip the next generation of diplomats and policy thinkers with a deeper understanding of how global economies interact, shift, and evolve. At AGDA, we see this as essential to preparing leaders who can think globally while acting with purpose.' From an academic perspective, Dr Ahmad Rashad commented, 'Economic factors play a significant role in shaping international relations, making it increasingly vital for diplomats to understand these dynamics. This report contributes to building the economic literacy essential for effective diplomacy, empowering diplomats to proactively respond to global shifts and forge strategic, long-term partnerships that advance the UAE's interests and global standing.' He added that the report also serves as a foundational reference for researchers in the field of economic diplomacy and international economic relations. The event reinforced AGDA's role as a platform for policy dialogue and its dedication to preparing diplomats and decision-makers equipped to address the emerging challenges and opportunities. While the report and discussions echo the UAE's strategic objectives of sustainable development, economic diversification, and strengthened global influence through cooperation and innovation. WAM
