UAE seeks to strengthen East-West links through Brics, says senior official

The United Arab Emirates is leveraging its membership in the BRICS alliance to strengthen trade, economic and cultural ties between the Eastern and Western worlds, according to a senior UAE official. Omran Sharaf, the UAE's Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology Affairs and the country's BRICS sherpa, stated that the country's strategic position as a regional and global hub necessitates collaboration with both the East and West.

Sharaf emphasized that BRICS membership enables the UAE to enhance connectivity among member states, foster innovation, and broaden market access for the Global South. The UAE is among nine nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, and Ethiopia—that comprise BRICS, accounting for a significant portion of the world's population and GDP.

While acknowledging the diversity of national interests among BRICS members, Sharaf highlighted that such differences are inherent in a multipolar world. The UAE delegation, led by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is participating in the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, where leaders hope to reach consensus on a joint declaration.

Sharaf expressed optimism about the prospects of a declaration and highlighted the UAE's close relationship with India, a key BRICS member and a strategic partner. India recently hosted the BRICS summit, and the UAE has been working closely with India to ensure the success of the event. The UAE views India's hosting of the summit as significant, given the strong economic and strategic ties between the two nations.

Sharaf also underscored the importance of alternative trade routes, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Imec (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), an initiative supported by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, aims to create new trade pathways to bypass geopolitical chokepoints and promote economic growth in the region.