UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025 Highlights Nation's Global Role In Economic Cooperation

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) recently unveiled the UAE Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025 at its Abu Dhabi headquarters. This event highlighted the UAE's expanding role in fostering international cooperation and strengthening global ties. The report aims to deepen understanding of economic diplomacy as a strategic foreign policy pillar, showcasing how the UAE uses trade, aid, and investment to forge global partnerships and promote sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, commented on the launch, stating: "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."

Ahmed Al Sayegh highlighted the UAE's proactive approach to international relations: "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 economic diplomacy's broader mission: "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."

Dr. Mohammed Al Dhaheri provided an institutional perspective: "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."

Dr. Ahmad Rashad added an academic viewpoint: "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 noted that it also serves as a foundational reference for researchers in economic diplomacy.

Key Topics Discussed

The report includes insights from Dr. Ahmed Rashad on topics like global economic outlooks and future trends in economic diplomacy. It highlights the UAE's involvement in BRICS and the New Development Bank while stressing the WTO’s Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration's importance for advancing global trade.

The event attracted notable attendees such as Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Nickolay Mladenov, Dr. Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Dr. Ahmad Rashad along with AGDA faculty members, students, media representatives, and other distinguished guests from diplomatic circles.

This gathering reinforced AGDA’s commitment to being a platform for policy dialogue while preparing diplomats equipped for emerging international challenges. The discussions echoed the UAE's broader objectives of sustainable development through cooperation.

With inputs from WAM