A new chapter in UAE-EU relations: A partnership for the future

Very soon, Emiratis and Europeans will sit together to negotiate a new trade agreement between the EU and the UAE. One that will increase prosperity and deepen an already strong and robust partnership. The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bold step together towards a more dynamic relationship based on common interests, values, and ambitions, writes Mohammed Al Sahlawi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the European Union, the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Kingdom of Luxembourg.

Over the past few years, ties between the UAE and the EU have strengthened through political dialogue at the highest levels, cooperation on climate action and on humanitarian assistance, and, most recently, growing collaboration in innovation and advanced technologies.

Over the past 12 months alone, the UAE has committed to investments in advanced technologies that could amount to more than EUR 100 billion in Europe. In addition, our non-oil trade with the EU continues to grow, reaching more than EUR 60 billion annually.

And yet, we believe that we are only just scratching the surface. With a trade agreement we aim to open up new avenues for trade and investment and create new opportunities for growth on both sides. In this context, the UAE is perfectly positioned as the link connecting Europe with markets that are home to half the world’s population.

Our relationship is about more than just economics. It is underpinned by our shared interest in regional stability in the Middle East and beyond and is rooted in equitable and sustainable economic growth and respect for international law. We are not simply trading partners; we are partners in shaping the future.

There are five areas where the partnership between Europe and the UAE stands out.

First, the humanitarian partnership.

The launch of the Cyprus maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza was an example of our cooperation. Similarly, Dubai Humanitarian and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) signed an administrative arrangement to enhance emergency preparedness and rapid crisis response.

Second, the partnership to uphold international law.

Our technical cooperation with EU counterparts ranges from anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing to judicial collaboration and financial intelligence exchange. This has brought us closer to a shared goal: a secure, transparent, and resilient global financial system. Furthermore, the decision to deploy UAE law enforcement liaison officers to Europol headquarters in The Hague marks another milestone.

Third, the diplomatic partnership.

There is a clear understanding that stability and security in the Middle East are inextricably linked to security in Europe. Over the past years, we have promoted dialogue and de-escalation and strengthened the role of diplomacy in resolving conflict. We engage through practical solutions: quietly, constructively, and often behind the scenes.

This is what has allowed us to alleviate humanitarian suffering under extremely challenging conditions in Gaza, where the UAE has provided over 42% of aid delivered. We have also facilitated 15 exchanges of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, involving 4,181 captives. We also work with partners in containing non-state actors who seek to undermine states and who pose a threat to neighbouring countries and to freedom of navigation. Both sides recognise that maritime security is key to the prosperity of both Europe and the Middle East.

Fourth, the technology partnership.

It is clear that advanced technologies across multiple domains will be a focal point for UAE-EU collaboration – from space exploration to ‘green’ hydrogen to cutting-edge healthcare. The UAE has made bold investments in AI for many years. We have developed national strategies that prioritise ethical innovation, recognising the potential risks that AI could foster. By aligning our innovation ecosystems with the EU and sharing knowledge, we can accelerate the responsible development of new technologies, ensure interoperability and ‘smart’ regulations and set global standards.

Fifth, the people-to-people partnership.

There is a human story unfolding in the UAE-EU relationship. Today, more Europeans than ever are choosing to live and work in the UAE. More than 200 nationalities call the UAE home, coming for the quality of life and the spirit of openness that defines our society.

The recent launch of CEPA negotiations is another manifestation of the close alignment between Europe and the UAE. The UAE and the EU have shown what is possible when vision is matched with action, and we look forward to translating that vision into tangible outcomes for our citizens, our businesses, and our shared future. This agreement is not a finish line, it is a foundation. One that I very much look forward to seeing prosper.

Mohammed Al Sahlawi is the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the European Union, the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Kingdom of Luxembourg

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