Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently convened with the Foreign Trade team at the Ministry of Economy and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) negotiation team. The gathering recognized the teams' substantial contribution to elevating the UAE's foreign trade to an unprecedented level in 2024, with total trade reaching AED 5.23 trillion and a trade surplus exceeding AED 490 billion-highlighting the robustness of the national economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting was held at Union House in Dubai and was attended by prominent figures including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, was also present. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the enduring importance of trade as a cornerstone of civilisations and a crucial driver of sustainable economic growth. He attributed the UAE's success in this sector to a forward-thinking vision, strong partnerships, flexible policies, and the dedication of teams who view geography as a starting point for ambition.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the excellent coordination among entities spearheading the UAE's foreign trade initiatives and encouraged ongoing innovation to maintain the country's leading position on the global trade stage. He stated that the UAE is not only keeping pace with global trade developments but is actively influencing its trajectory. Serving as a strategic link between East and West, the UAE continues to garner international trust and respect. His Highness expressed gratitude to those contributing to the UAE's trade ecosystem, acknowledging their role in crafting the success story of a nation devoted to global economic leadership.
The meeting was also attended by several high-ranking officials, including Lieutenant General H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, alongside other Sheikhs, Ministers, and business leaders. Discussions during the meeting focused on the UAE's sustainable development, economic advancement, and the private sector's role in fostering growth and innovation.
The UAE has successfully signed 21 CEPAs, enhancing its market access across Asia, Africa, and Latin America-regions that collectively account for approximately 25% of the global population. These agreements are integral to the UAE's 'Projects of the 50', significantly boosting the nation's non-oil trade. The UAE now represents 41.4% of the Middle East's total goods exports, ranking 11th globally in goods exports and 13th in services exports.
Additionally, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, presented a lecture on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the UAE's public school curriculum. She highlighted the importance of equipping future generations with AI skills, underscoring the technology's transformative influence on society beyond just work and production.