The UAE’s trade policy is based on building bridges between economies

The United Arab Emirates participated in a high-level dialogue session within the ongoing edition of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which addressed the growing role of the state in contributing to shaping the future of global trade, in light of the acceleration of geopolitical transformations and the changing balance of global economic power.
The session discussed ways to maintain open, rules-based trade, at a time when the world is witnessing increasing challenges and the reshaping of global supply chains.
The session brought together the Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, and the Professor of Political and Strategic Geography at the International Development Institute, Professor Simon Evenett, as part of a series of international dialogues examining developments in global trade governance and new models of international economic cooperation.
Al-Zeyoudi stressed: “The UAE’s vision for international trade is based on openness, partnership and flexibility, which allows for an effective response to rapid global changes and enhances cooperation between different economies.”
He explained that the current transformations in the global trading system require reliable partners capable of protecting open markets and enhancing regional and international cooperation, noting that the UAE’s trade policy is based on building bridges between economies, expanding access to markets, and supporting a fair trade system that serves developed and emerging economies alike.
He added: “The Future of Investment and Trade Initiative represents a practical model of the UAE’s vision in developing modern trade frameworks that respond to the requirements of the next stage, keep pace with developments in digital trade, enhance the flexibility of supply chains, and support sustainable growth.”
Al-Zeyoudi pointed out that the UAE continues to expand the network of comprehensive economic partnership agreements and strengthen its position as a reliable global center for trade linking the East and the West, stressing that these efforts consolidate the country’s role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation and provide practical solutions at a time when global trade requires higher levels of trust and stability.
For his part, Simon Evenett said: “The world is witnessing a new phase in which the centralization of global trade leadership is declining, which opens the way for countries with open policies and strong institutions to play a constructive leadership role.”
He explained that small and medium economies that adopt open trade policies and enjoy diverse partnership networks are today more capable of supporting the stability of the global trading system, noting that the UAE’s experience in trade diplomacy and building strategic partnerships represents a clear example of this approach.
During the session, the features of the next stage of global trade were discussed, in light of the decline in reliance on unilateral leadership, and the trend towards a participatory model based on credibility, continuity, and commitment to international cooperation.
The dialogue also addressed the importance of aligning trade policies with broader economic priorities, including enhancing supply chain resilience, facilitating investment, and supporting sustainable development.
The speakers stressed that the leadership of trade in the future will not depend only on the size of markets, but rather on the ability to build confidence, adapt to changes, and achieve real value for economies and societies.
This session reflects the UAE’s active presence in the work of the World Economic Forum 2026, and its continued participation in international discussions related to trade, investment, and economic governance.
Through its participation in Davos, the UAE continues to consolidate its position as an effective international partner that contributes to supporting open trade, enhancing international cooperation, and building a more balanced and flexible global economy.