UAE Participates in BRICS Business Forum
Rio De Janeiro, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates, represented by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, took part in the BRICS Business Forum held on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming the country’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation and cross-border investment with fellow BRICS members.
Addressing leaders and business representatives from the 10-nation BRICS bloc — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE — Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s growing economic ties with the BRICS community and its belief in the group’s role as a catalyst for global innovation, trade expansion, and sustainable development.
He emphasized the importance of closer collaboration in vital sectors such as logistics, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced technologies, adding that “the BRICS community provides a compelling model for growth in the current economic climate.”
“The UAE is building the next chapter of its economic development through attracting foreign direct investment, fostering technology-driven industries, and securing free trade agreements with like-minded nations — including BRICS members such as India, Indonesia, and Russia,” Al Zeyoudi noted.
The Forum also marked the endorsement of several key initiatives aimed at deepening economic cooperation and establishing new private-sector partnerships that will facilitate increased trade and investment flows across BRICS countries.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s Ambassador to Brazil.
The UAE’s participation in the Forum reflects its broader strategy of strengthening constructive international partnerships and promoting inclusive economic growth. It also highlights the country’s strong belief in multilateral engagement as a tool to address global challenges and opportunities alike.
Trade figures underscore the strengthening economic ties between the UAE and BRICS nations. In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil trade with BRICS countries totaled US$243 billion — a 10.5% increase from 2023. The momentum has continued in 2025, with non-oil trade reaching US$68.3 billion in the first quarter alone — marking an 18.2% year-on-year growth and a 2.4% increase over Q4 2024.
The UAE’s total non-oil exports to BRICS countries reached US$39.4 billion in 2024, nearly double the figure recorded in 2019. Re-exports to the bloc stood at US$50.5 billion. The UAE currently ranks 14th globally among all BRICS trading partners and holds the 5th position in terms of internal BRICS trade, following China, Russia, India, and Brazil.
The BRICS group, originally comprising five members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — expanded in 2024 to include five additional members: the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. Together, the BRICS nations now represent about 40% of the global population and approximately 25% of global GDP.
The UAE’s inclusion in the bloc reflects its strategic ambition to broaden its economic and diplomatic influence and strengthen cooperation with emerging economies — a move aimed at contributing to global economic stability, resilience, and shared prosperity.
