Background and Engagement with BRICS
The United Arab Emirates are committed to multilateral action and constructive dialogue, supported by active platforms representing developing and emerging economies internationally. By becoming a member of an expanded BRICS group, this reflects the United Arab Emirates' desire to uphold the value of multilateralism in support of peace and development for the well-being of peoples and nations around the world. The United Arab Emirates have long been partners of the BRICS group, having participated in the "Friends of BRICS" forum in June in Cape Town, organized as part of the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, chaired by the Republic of South Africa. The United Arab Emirates also joined the New Development Bank of BRICS in October 2021, established in 2015 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets, developing countries, and BRICS nations.2024: Integration and official announcement of the United Arab Emirates
Reacting to the successful application by the United Arab Emirates to join BRICS, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said: "We express our appreciation to the five founding members of this important group. The success of our application reflects the BRICS approach to partnerships and its strong spirit of friendship." His Highness added: "This development is part of the UAE's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue through active platforms representing developing and emerging economies, and of the country's focus on long-term economic prosperity and maintaining balanced strategic and economic relations, including with international organizations, in an ever-changing global order. The UAE has consistently championed the value of multilateralism in support of peace, security and development around the world." For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said: "We express our appreciation for the agreement by the leaders of the BRICS countries to include the UAE in this important group starting in January 2024, and we thank them for their confidence in this regard. The UAE seeks to support multilateralism and partnerships to achieve development, prosperity and benefits for all countries and peoples." His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan continued: "The inclusion of the UAE in BRICS reflects its commitment to international and multilateral cooperation to achieve sustainable development for all countries of the world." Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, emphasized: "The UAE is a global hub for trade and economic development, with a foreign policy focused on supporting long-term economic prosperity. The country adopts innovative strategies and strives to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, strengthened by scientific and technological progress." His Excellency Al Sayegh emphasized: "Over the past five decades, the UAE has worked to strengthen international partnerships. Its accession to BRICS reflects the country's open approach to strengthening collaboration with international economic institutions. The UAE is moving rapidly to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy while exploring new opportunities." For her part, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: "We are delighted to join BRICS, which the UAE recognizes as a mechanism for promoting global peace, stability and prosperity." Her Excellency Al Hashimy concluded: "The UAE believes in championing multilateralism and actively contributes to important international forums. This includes engagement with BRICS, regular participation in the G20 process, and hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November. The UAE emphasizes that the future of global security and prosperity rests on strong multilateral partnerships and cooperation at the international level, as well as a shared commitment to achieving stability and development."Implications and Objectives
The United Arab Emirates views its membership in BRICS as a means of strengthening international economic partnerships while continuing to maintain balanced relations with other global powers, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
This expansion of BRICS marks an important step in the efforts of developing countries and emerging economies to reshape international relations. The United Arab Emirates believes that the future of global security and prosperity rests on strong multilateral partnerships and international cooperation.
