UAE Turning ‘Disruption into Opportunity’ as Global Alliances Shift – Minister
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an “opportunity disruption” as the Minister of Economic Affairs of the economy, said the Minister of Tourism Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marrit on Wednesday, adding that the country remains committed to a balanced and cooperative approach to the positive change of the world.
“The real GDP of the UAE reached AED 455 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with non-oil sectors accounting for 77.3 percent of the year’s output and reaching a growth rate of 5.3 years,” said Bin Touq during the session titled Economics amid geostrategic shifts: challenges, opportunities, and future dynamics.
“This shows the success of our vision in the transition to achieving a knowledge-based and sustainable economic model.”
The UAE is strengthening economic ties around the world
He said the UAE has been cooperating closely with international partners as part of the We are UAE 2031 The vision, which seeks to strengthen the country’s position as a global partner and an attractive business hub.
“Through partnerships with blocs such as the GCC, ASEAN and AFCFTA, we are expanding market access to our business community,” he said. “These efforts are supported by the UAE’s strategic location, world-class academics, dynamic business environment and strong capital markets.”
The session, held as part of the annual meetings of the upcoming cybersecurity 2025 councils, was organized by the UAE government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. It examines the impact of intensifying competition between superpowers and the restoration of global medicine on economic cooperation and economic policy.
Other speakers included George Gray Molina, chief economist at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); Luu Qian, founder and CEO of WUSAWA Advisory; Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno; And John L. Weinberg, visiting Professor at Princeton University. This interview was moderated by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor and Anchor at CNN International.
Liu said China continues to turn challenges into investment opportunities, despite ongoing trade and technology disputes. “With increased competition and rapid technological change, the world is witnessing an inevitable trade war,” he said. “This has prompted China to diversify its economic relations with other countries and strengthen relations around the world.”
Pinzón said Colombia intends to deepen relations with countries such as the UAE, calling it an “Opportunity to Promise Future Prosperity”. He said Colombia’s natural resources and agricultural agriculture are well positioned to attract investment from the Middle East and Asia.
Molina highlighted the economic challenges facing developing countries, highlighting the impact of global conflicts, IMF policy and tax problems. He called for greater focus on job creation and youth development to boost long-term growth. “Future jobs and youth are the main drivers that motivate and guide the United Nations to achieve its goals,” he said.
The session ended with a joint call between the participants to strengthen global cooperation and pursue economic outlook strategies that continue to increase growth amid geopolitical uncertainty.
