Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will join Saudi Arabia in celebrating the Kingdom’s 94th National Day on 23rd September. This celebration highlights the strong bilateral ties between the two Gulf nations.
The relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia serves as a perfect symbol of regional ties, rooted in a long history of cooperation across various fields.
The UAE’s participation in the Saudi National Day celebrations highlights the exceptional ties shared by the leadership and citizens of both countries. These bonds form the milestone for Gulf, Arab, and regional cooperation and are a cornerstone of stability, growth, and prosperity throughout the state.
The bilateral relationship, first strengthened by the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has emerged into a comprehensive partnership. Under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the relationship deepened, and today, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud continue to involve it to unprecedented levels.
Economic cooperation and growth
The relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia plays a significant economic collaboration, particularly in non-oil trade. Over the past decade, trade between the two nations has increased by nearly 69%, reaching $36.75 billion (135 billion AED) in 2023, up from $21.75 billion (79.9 billion AED) in 2013, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2013 and 2023 stood at 5.4%, with total non-oil trade over the last ten years surpassing $272 billion (1 trillion AED).
During the first half of 2024, trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reached $17.53 billion, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. UAE exports to Saudi Arabia rose by 10.26%, while Saudi imports to the UAE saw a significant surge, highlighting the growing importance of trade between the two countries.
In 2016, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council was established to boost bilateral cooperation and advance their integrated economic system. Tourism has also become a key area of collaboration, with both nations looking to attract joint investments and projects in this booming sector.
Cultural and Educational Ties
The cultural and social ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have long been intertwined, encouraging their shared heritage and geographical proximity. These ties have been strengthened through numerous joint agreements and cultural programs. In education, the two nations continue to exchange knowledge, with Emirati students historically traveling to Saudi schools and universities, and today, Saudi students pursuing education in the UAE.
The deep-rooted historical, social, and economic connections between the UAE and Saudi Arabia underscore the profound relationship between the two nations.
Saudi vision 2030 and future collaboration
Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day comes at a time of rapid development, as the Kingdom embarks on a transformative journey with the launch of “Saudi Vision 2030,” the World’s most ambitious national transformation program.
The UAE’s strong partnership with Saudi Arabia ensures that both nations will continue to nourish together as they pursue a prosperous future for their people and the region.