UAE-Belgium Partnership Emerges As A Strategic Necessity For Global Stability Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The Brussels Times, a leading English-language news outlet in Belgium, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belgium. This alliance is crucial for global stability and extends beyond mere symbolism in areas like security, economy, and innovation. The article emphasised that in today's uncertain world, this partnership is vital for advancing shared interests.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified discussions about Middle East policies within Belgium. In June, Brussels witnessed a significant pro-Palestinian demonstration with 75,000 to 100,000 participants calling for a ceasefire and recognition of a two-state solution. This public sentiment has pushed policymakers to show Belgium's commitment through practical actions.

Belgium has responded by focusing on humanitarian initiatives. Notably, under Operation Cerulean Skies 2, the Belgian Defence Ministry has been using military aircraft to deliver aid to Gaza since early August. These missions have transported 190 tonnes of essential supplies like food and water, making Belgium the second-largest contributor after the UAE.

The UAE has also been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Gaza since late 2023. Working with partners such as Jordan, it has conducted multiple aid missions. This approach highlights a pragmatic shift towards solutions-oriented strategies when traditional delivery methods fall short.

This alignment is further institutionalised through agreements like the one signed at the European Humanitarian Forum in May 2025. Dubai Humanitarian and the EU’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) committed to closer coordination in supply chains and crisis response. Belgian and EU officials witnessed this agreement.

For Belgium, this collaboration underscores its role as Europe's capital and a conduit for UAE's humanitarian leadership on the continent. It reframes their relationship from symbolic gestures to strategic partnerships rooted in shared values for crisis response.

Economic Ties and Future Opportunities

Economically, the UAE stands as Belgium’s second-largest trading partner in the Arab world with bilateral trade reaching €7 billion in 2023. This figure only accounts for goods; services further expand Belgium's economic footprint in the UAE. Companies like BESIX have left lasting marks with projects such as Burj Khalifa.

Belgium's expertise extends offshore too. Jan De Nul, a top dredging contractor from Belgium, is managing marine works for Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali project. The firm also played a key role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, now home to cultural landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Expanding into New Sectors

The partnership between Belgium and the UAE is poised for growth beyond construction and energy into areas like renewable energy, logistics, and digital innovation. As both nations move towards a post-oil future, opportunities abound in renewables and sustainable technologies.

Recent EU-UAE free trade negotiations mark an important milestone. However, Belgium must not rely solely on EU-level initiatives but also pursue national strategies to strengthen its role as a bridge between Europe and MENA regions.

The article stated: "As we are living in an era of increased division fuelled by great power rivalries, Belgium and the UAE stand out as pragmatic actors, consensus-builders that prioritise diplomacy, stability, and multilateralism." This shared diplomatic identity is more than symbolic; it serves as a strategic asset for both nations amid global challenges.

The cost of doing nothing today is too high. Whether addressing humanitarian crises or ensuring sustainable economic growth, the partnership between Belgium and the UAE is essential rather than optional.

With inputs from WAM