The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is turning “disruption into opportunity” as global economic alliances shift, Economy and Tourism Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said on Wednesday, adding that the country remains committed to a balanced and cooperative approach to global change.
“The UAE’s real GDP reached AED 455 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with non-oil sectors accounting for 77.3 per cent of output and achieving 5.3 per cent year-on-year growth,” Bin Touq said during a session titled Economies Amid Geostrategic Shifts: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Sustainability.
“This reflects the success of our vision to transition towards a knowledge-based and sustainable economic model.”
UAE strengthens global economic ties
He said the UAE was deepening cooperation with global partners as part of the We the UAE 2031 vision, which seeks to reinforce the country’s position as a global partner and attractive business hub.
“Through partnerships with blocs such as the GCC, ASEAN and AfCFTA, we are expanding market access for our business community,” he said. “These efforts are supported by the UAE’s strategic location, world-class logistics, flexible business environment and dynamic capital markets.”
The session, held as part of the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, was organised by the UAE Government in partnership with the World Economic Forum. It examined the impact of intensifying competition among major powers and the realignment of global alliances on international cooperation and economic policy.
Other speakers included George Gray Molina, Chief Economist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Liu Qian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wusawa Advisory; Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno; and John L. Weinberg, Visiting Professor at Princeton University. The discussion was moderated by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor and anchor at CNN International.
Liu said China continues to transform challenges into investment opportunities, despite ongoing trade and technological tensions. “With the escalation of competition and rapid technological change, the world is witnessing an inevitable trade war,” she said. “This has prompted China to diversify its international economic relations and strengthen partnerships globally.”
Pinzón said Colombia aims to deepen ties with countries such as the UAE, calling it a “promising opportunity for future prosperity”. He said Colombia’s natural resources and agricultural capacity position it well to attract investment from the Middle East and Asia.
Molina highlighted the economic challenges facing developing countries, citing the impact of global conflicts, IMF policy and tariff disputes. He called for greater focus on job creation and youth development to sustain long-term growth. “Future jobs and youth are the core drivers that inspire and guide the United Nations toward achieving its goals,” he said.
The session concluded with a shared call among participants to strengthen global cooperation and pursue forward-looking economic strategies to sustain growth amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty.
Follow us on
