The United Arab Emirates combines strong economic power, vast natural resources, and a rapidly expanding non-oil economy, marked by growth in foreign trade, tourism, real estate, technology, and artificial intelligence. Together with its active political and diplomatic influence at regional and global levels, these strengths have positioned the UAE as a key partner in BRICS, aligning with its vision for a multipolar world rooted in prosperity, peace, and stability.
Economic Powerhouse
Membership of BRICS provides the UAE with access to vast markets while deepening cooperation with some of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. In turn, the UAE strengthens its role as a global financial and logistical hub, offering Emirati companies new opportunities for trade, investment, and competitiveness.
Since joining BRICS, the UAE has seen the bloc not only as a platform for trade expansion and investment flows — particularly in innovation, research, and development — but also as a means to contribute to regional and global stability. Its strategic location between East and West enhances its role as a hub for global commerce, finance, and partnerships.
Economic Diversification
Guided by a long-term vision, the UAE is steadily diversifying away from oil, building strength in tourism, aviation, financial services, technology, and infrastructure. Modern airports, seaports, and investor-friendly policies have created a world-class business environment. The UAE has also signed numerous Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), boosting non-oil trade to record levels. BRICS now forms a central part of this diversification agenda, underpinning prosperity and balanced strategic relations.
Political and Diplomatic Influence
On the diplomatic front, BRICS has amplified the UAE’s influence in international politics. High-level participation — including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Russia Summit and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the Brazil Summit — underscores the UAE’s active role. This comes as UAE ties with both Russia and Brazil reach unprecedented economic momentum.
Trade Growth
The economic impact is clear in trade data. UAE exports to BRICS states rose from $62.3 billion in 2019 to $126.6 billion in 2024 — a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. Imports grew from $88.2 billion to $145 billion over the same period. Notably, non-oil exports accounted for 97%, rising from $60.3 billion to $123 billion, underscoring the UAE’s success in diversifying trade.
Shared Global Priorities
The UAE-BRICS relationship extends beyond economics. Both sides share priorities in climate action and sustainable development. The UAE hosted COP28, delivering the historic UAE Declaration, while Brazil prepares to host COP30. The UAE also co-launched the Global Climate Finance Initiative, mobilising over $85 billion, and pledged $400 million to the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform via the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).
Balanced Foreign Policy
True to its pragmatic foreign policy, the UAE avoids narrow alliances, embracing global diversity as a principle. By positioning itself as a trade hub, strategic gateway, and supporter of peace and security, the UAE adds tangible value to BRICS in addressing Global South challenges and shaping collective responses to crises.
A Global Partner in Stability
Through BRICS, the UAE advances its humanitarian and diplomatic vision: promoting multilateral security, collective prosperity, and balanced growth. Its active role reflects a model of pragmatic engagement, building bridges between regions and fostering trust across diverse global partners.
With BRICS representing 45% of the world’s population and 33% of global GDP, the UAE is using its membership to strengthen supply chains, expand trade corridors, and contribute to a fairer, more resilient international order.
-By Maryam Saeed Alketbi, Deputy Head of Public Relations and Media Sector, TRENDS, published in Gulf News
