Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, participated in the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held in Jaipur, India. This gathering saw the participation of trade ministers and senior officials from member states, marking India’s current presidency of the group.
Key Discussions on Trade Issues
The meeting centred on several priority issues, including the protection of the multilateral trading system, promotion of inclusive trade, and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, discussions focused on redefining global value chains in light of the rapid digital transformation.
During the meeting, Al Zeyoudi expressed the UAE’s deep concern regarding Iran’s attacks on maritime navigation and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated the UAE’s call for its immediate and unconditional reopening, emphasising the necessity of safeguarding freedom of navigation and international shipping in accordance with international law.
Economic Cooperation Priorities
The discussions also highlighted key priorities for economic cooperation among BRICS nations, such as trade resilience, market connectivity, and addressing current challenges affecting global trade. However, no consensus was reached on issuing a joint ministerial statement.
Al Zeyoudi held a series of bilateral meetings with ministers from BRICS member countries, including Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, China’s Deputy Minister of Commerce and International Trade Representative Li Chenggang, and Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, among others. These engagements facilitated a review of the progress on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India, which came into effect in May 2022, as well as discussions on expanding cooperation in services trade, digital trade, logistics, and food security.
Strengthening UAE-BRICS Trade Relations
India continues to solidify its status as the UAE’s largest global trading partner, with non-oil bilateral trade valued at $76.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth of 17.3% compared to the previous year. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade facilitation measures and increasing cooperation within the private sector in high-growth areas.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that cooperation between emerging markets and developing economies has become increasingly vital, especially amidst growing instability in global trade. He asserted that the UAE views BRICS as a crucial platform for bolstering international economic cooperation and fostering an open and stable environment for trade exchange. This includes efforts to empower MSMEs, enhance global value chains, adopt digital trade, and drive innovation.
Expanding Trade with BRICS
The UAE has been witnessing substantial growth in its non-oil foreign trade with BRICS nations, with non-oil trade surpassing $312 billion in 2025—a 28.5% increase from $243 billion in 2024. BRICS countries accounted for approximately 31% of the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade in 2025, representing 34% of its imports and 23% of its non-oil exports, while constituting 28% of re-export operations during the same period.
BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Iran, together representing about 40% of the world’s population and nearly 25% of global GDP. The UAE’s membership reflects its strategic commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic relations with partners across the developing world, aiming for a trade agenda based on openness, mutual interests, and sustainable growth.
The UAE’s participation in the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting complements its broader trade agenda, which is predominantly anchored by a programme of comprehensive economic partnership agreements. Since the programme’s launch in September 2021, 38 agreements have been concluded with economies in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, of which 18 have come into effect, including agreements with BRICS partners India and Indonesia.