UAE Joins BRICS Trade Talks in India Amid Global Economic Shifts

The United Arab Emirates, with Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, participated in the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting (TMM) held in Jaipur, India. Hosted by India, the meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding multilateral trading systems and global economic shifts.

Addressing Key Economic Priorities

The 2026 BRICS TMM addressed several pivotal topics under India’s BRICS Chairmanship. Discussions aimed at strengthening the multilateral trading system, promoting inclusive trade practices, and empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Ministers also explored adapting global value chains in response to accelerating digital transformation. These themes underscore the collective effort to navigate an evolving international trade landscape.

Bilateral Engagements and Regional Concerns

During his visit to Jaipur, Minister Al Zeyoudi engaged in a series of significant bilateral discussions. He met with key counterparts, including India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and China’s International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang.

Further bilateral talks included Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Franklyn Mpho Tau, and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development Ilichev Vladimir Evgenievich. These discussions were geared towards strengthening trade and investment ties, expanding cooperation in priority sectors, and deepening private-sector engagement across these nations.

A notable point raised by Al Zeyoudi at the TMM was the UAE’s serious concerns regarding Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated the UAE’s call for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait, emphasizing the protection of freedom of navigation and international shipping in accordance with international law.

Trade Growth and Consensus Challenges

The broader discussions at the meeting covered key priorities for BRICS economic cooperation, including trade resilience, market connectivity, and emerging challenges affecting global commerce. Despite these extensive talks, the trade ministers were unable to reach a consensus on a joint declaration at the conclusion of the meeting.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted the critical importance of cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies during periods of heightened uncertainty in global trade. The UAE views BRICS as a vital platform for strengthening economic cooperation and fostering an open, predictable trading environment. He noted that the UAE’s engagement in Jaipur solidified its economic relationships with fellow BRICS members, with a commitment to translating these discussions into tangible outcomes for businesses and communities.

UAE-BRICS Trade Statistics

Trade between the UAE and BRICS nations continues to demonstrate robust growth. In 2025, bilateral non-oil foreign trade between the UAE and BRICS member nations surpassed US$312 billion. This figure represents a 28.5% increase compared to the US$243 billion recorded in 2024.

BRICS nations significantly contributed to the UAE’s trade profile in 2025. They accounted for approximately 31% of the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade. Furthermore, these countries were the source of 34% of the UAE’s imports, the destination for 23% of its non-oil exports, and represented 28% of its re-exports during the same period.