UAE seeking to balance global policy priorities and needs of Global South through BRICS membership

Last year, BRICS invited six countries, resulting in the UAE officially joining the economic bloc in 2024. The Gulf state’s diverse economy and expertise in several sectors such as energy and infrastructure smoothly support the goals of the existing BRICS members.

The UAE-BRICS membership significantly highlights the country’s long-standing approach to building global partnerships to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy and explore more and more opportunities to expand.

Expansion of BRICS membership in 2024 has improved the group’s economic standing

The UAE Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance emphasised that the UAE’s accession to the BRICS group is set to strengthen efforts to build balanced economic relations and solidify its position in emerging and developing markets.

He noted that the Emirates’ leadership in fostering international trade cooperation has enabled the country to address critical global challenges. This has led to numerous comprehensive economic partnership agreements, further solidifying the UAE’s role in global trade.

The UAE seeks to balance global policy priorities and the needs of the Global South. Committed to inclusivity and equity, the Gulf state seeks to ensure that international policies effectively consider the perspectives of developing nations.

The expansion of BRICS membership in 2024 has improved the group’s economic standing. The bloc currently represents around 45% of the global population and 25% of global exports. The combined GDP of BRICS members accounts for 29% of the global GDP.

UAE’s notable focus on climate change and sustainable development

In the recently held BRICS High-level Dialogue on Climate Change in Russia, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment took on a prominent role in both sessions covering national efforts to combat climate change and, cooperation of the BRICS countries.

Highlighting her country’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, the minister confirmed that the UAE has invested $50 billion in clean energy projects across more than 70 countries and plans to invest an additional $50 billion over the next decade.