MBRSG Hosts Fifth Public Administration Forum To Discuss UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) recently held its fifth Public Administration Forum. The event, themed "Strategic Horizons: The UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025 – Advancing Policy, Trade, and Global Partnerships Through Evidence-Based Insights," took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It gathered decision-makers, diplomats, economists, and policy experts to discuss the UAE's evolving economic diplomacy.

The forum marked the unveiling of the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025. This report was a collaborative effort between MBRSG and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), with input from both international and local researchers. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, stated that the forum demonstrates their dedication to developing a forward-thinking model of economic diplomacy through strategic collaboration and informed decision-making.

Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA, emphasized that current economic decisions are part of a broader national narrative. He noted that the forum highlights the UAE’s initiatives to expand partnerships and promote sustainable prosperity through innovation, integrity, and impact. The report offers an in-depth analysis of UAE economic diplomacy, including Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), sovereign wealth fund strategies, and digital economy integration.

The report also explores climate diplomacy tools and includes case studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It suggests improved coordination, capacity building, and integrating economic tools into foreign policy. Key data from the report reveal foreign direct investment inflows of US$30.7 billion in 2023 and 24 CEPAs signed with 16 in effect.

In Q1 2025, non-oil trade reached AED835 billion, marking an 18.6% increase. Non-oil exports accounted for AED177.3 billion or 21% of total trade. The UAE's GDP stood at AED1.77 trillion in 2024, with the non-oil sector contributing 75.5%. Foreign aid amounted to US$3.45 billion in 2022.

Sovereign wealth fund assets were significant: ADIA held US$993 billion; Mubadala had US$302 billion; EIA possessed US$87 billion. Over 200,000 new business licences were issued in 2024, with 1.1 million companies active in the UAE.

Forum Discussions

The event featured speeches by Dr. Al Marri and Dr. Al Dhaheri and included officials, diplomats, trade experts, academics, and students. Sessions addressed CEPAs, sovereign wealth funds, economic diplomacy policies, and humanitarian aspects of UAE foreign aid.

Speakers included Dr Ahmed Rashad from AGDA; Dr Mona El-Sholkamy from MBRSG; Amb Husain Haqqani from AGDA; Dina Abdullah as Senior Trade Specialist. In one session, Amb Haqqani lectured on "The Strategic Importance of UAE Foreign Aid," emphasizing how it strengthens global partnerships and promotes human-centred diplomacy.

The forum concluded with an open dialogue session aimed at fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange to shape a future-ready model of UAE economic diplomacy.

With inputs from WAM