UAE Highlights Growing Global Trade Influence at Davos
The United Arab Emirates underscored its expanding influence in global trade during a high-level dialogue held on the sidelines of the current World Economic Forum in Davos. The discussion explored the UAE’s role in helping shape the future of international commerce at a time marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics and a rebalancing of global economic power.
The session examined how open, rules-based trade can be preserved amid growing fragmentation and the realignment of global supply chains. It brought together Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Simon Evenett, Professor of Geopolitics and Strategy at IMD, as part of the Forum’s official programme focused on evolving models of global trade governance and economic cooperation.
During the exchange, Dr Al Zeyoudi outlined the UAE’s trade strategy, emphasising openness, collaboration, and adaptability as essential principles for navigating global uncertainty. He noted that as some traditional trade leaders become more inward-looking, the global economy increasingly depends on agile and reliable partners capable of sustaining open markets and cross-regional cooperation.
He explained that the UAE’s trade policy centres on connecting economies, expanding market access, and reinforcing a multilateral, rules-based system that delivers value to both advanced and emerging economies.
Dr Al Zeyoudi also highlighted the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership as an example of the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to next-generation trade frameworks. He said the initiative is designed to facilitate investment flows, modernise trade rules, and address emerging priorities such as digital trade, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth—demonstrating how cooperative leadership can maintain openness while adapting to new global realities.
He further pointed to the UAE’s growing network of comprehensive economic partnership agreements and its role as a trusted global trade hub linking East and West. These efforts, he said, reinforce the country’s position as a platform for dialogue and practical solutions at a time when predictability and confidence in global trade are increasingly vital.
Simon Evenett provided a broader geopolitical perspective, noting that the diffusion of economic power is creating opportunities for a wider group of countries to assume constructive leadership roles in global trade. He observed that smaller and mid-sized economies with open policies, strong institutions, and diversified trade links are well placed to help stabilise the international trading system.
Evenett cited the UAE as an example of how proactive trade diplomacy and strategic partnerships can sustain momentum in global commerce despite rising uncertainty.
The discussion also explored whether the global economy is entering a new phase in which trade leadership is no longer concentrated in a single power, but instead shared among countries that demonstrate consistency, credibility, and a commitment to cooperation.
Participants considered what effective trade leadership looks like in this evolving landscape, and how countries such as the UAE can help shape future norms, standards, and practices. The session further highlighted the importance of aligning trade policy with wider economic priorities, including investment facilitation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development.
Speakers agreed that future leadership in global trade will depend not only on economic scale, but on the ability to build trust, respond to change, and deliver tangible benefits for businesses and societies.
The dialogue reflects the UAE’s active participation at the World Economic Forum 2026 and its continued engagement in global discussions on trade, investment, and economic governance. Through its presence at Davos, the UAE continues to position itself as a forward-looking partner committed to open trade, international cooperation, and a more resilient and balanced global economy.
