UAE Highlights Strong Trade And Investment Ties With BRICS Nations At Business Forum

The United Arab Emirates, represented by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, took part in the BRICS Business Forum during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasised the UAE's strong ties with BRICS nations and the community's role in fostering innovation, boosting trade, and creating cross-border investment opportunities.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi advocated for enhanced collaboration in sectors like logistics, agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and healthcare. The forum brought together leaders and business representatives from the 10 member nations of BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. They exchanged ideas on how public and private sectors can work together to address current economic and geopolitical challenges.

The BRICS community initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa before expanding to 10 nations this year. It represents a significant portion of the global economy with around 40% of the world's population and approximately 25% of global GDP. The UAE joined BRICS in 2024 to expand its diplomatic and economic ties globally.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated that the forum was an important opportunity to engage with like-minded nations undergoing significant economic transformations: "The BRICS community provides a compelling model for growth in the current economic climate. Each of us are seeking economic growth based on investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and trade relationships free from barriers and bureaucracy."

The UAE has experienced robust trade growth with BRICS nations. In 2024 alone, they shared non-oil trade worth US$243 billion—a 10.5% increase from 2023. This momentum continued into 2025 with non-oil trade reaching $68.3 billion—a year-on-year growth rate of 18.2%, which is also a 2.4% increase compared to Q4 of 2024.

The UAE’s total non-oil exports to BRICS countries grew to US$39.4 billion in 2024—nearly double the level from 2019—while re-exports reached USD$50.5 billion. The UAE ranks as the 14th largest trading partner globally among BRICS nations and is fifth in internal trade within BRICS behind China, Russia, India, and Brazil.

Strategic Partnerships for Economic Growth

Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that the UAE is building its next chapter of economic development by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering new technology-driven industries: "This is how the UAE is building our next chapter of economic development... We are eager to maximize this relationship to the fullest extent."

The forum resulted in several initiatives aimed at deepening economic cooperation as well as new private sector partnerships that will enhance trade and investment flows between these nations.

The UAE’s participation reflects its belief in constructive collaboration and commitment to pursuing mutually beneficial global partnerships.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Al Suwaidi—the UAE’s Ambassador to Brazil—during his visit.

With inputs from WAM