Latest news with #Sheikh


Sharjah 24
11 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AD CP attends Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting
The meeting brought together heads of state and government from the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), chaired by President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus. The United Arab Emirates participated as a guest of honour alongside leaders from invited nations including Uzbekistan, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. Conveying greetings of UAE President During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed delivered the UAE's address, conveying the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed also expressed his appreciation to President Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and hospitality and for inviting the UAE to participate in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting hosted by the Republic of Belarus. Reaffirmed UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with member states of EAEU He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with the member states of the EAEU and to advancing together towards new horizons of shared growth and economic partnership. He underscored the importance of fostering closer cooperation to generate greater trade and investment opportunities for both sides. Attendees The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting was attended by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also in attendance were representatives of Observer States to the EAEU: Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba; Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; in addition to representatives of invited countries: Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to the Co-Presidents of the Republic of Nicaragua for Investment, Trade, and International Cooperation; and Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia. Witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union that aims to eliminate trade barriers and unlock opportunities in vital sectors, including renewable energy, logistics and construction services. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in UAE-EAEU relations, serving as a catalyst to further increase trade volumes and unlock new avenues of economic cooperation. He underscored that the UAE, through the EPA, aims to strengthen ties between business communities, investors and entrepreneurs across UAE and EAEU member states, laying a foundation for robust economic cooperation while reflecting the depth of friendship and constructive collaboration binding the UAE and the EAEU member nations. The agreement is expected to further enhance private-sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains, and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand their operations globally. Building on years of economic cooperation, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU nations grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to reach US$29 billion, while trade between the two partners witnessed a fourfold increase since 2021. The EPA was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; Natalia Petkevitch, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board.


Gulf Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Khaled, leaders of EAEU member states discuss trade ties in Belarus
On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has attended the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting, held on Friday at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus. The meeting brought together heads of state and government from the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), chaired by President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus. The United Arab Emirates participated as a guest of honour alongside leaders from invited nations including Uzbekistan, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed delivered the UAE's address, conveying the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the participating heads of state and government, along with best wishes for the success of the summit and continued prosperity for the peoples of the EAEU member states. Sheikh Khaled also expressed his appreciation to President Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and hospitality and for inviting the UAE to participate in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting hosted by the Republic of Belarus. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening its relations with the member states of the EAEU and to advancing together towards new horizons of shared growth and economic partnership. He underscored the importance of fostering closer cooperation to generate greater trade and investment opportunities for both sides. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting was attended by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also in attendance were representatives of Observer States to the EAEU: Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba; Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; in addition to representatives of invited countries: Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to the Co-Presidents of the Republic of Nicaragua for Investment, Trade, and International Cooperation; and Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia. During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled and leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union witnessed the exchange of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union that aims to eliminate trade barriers and unlock opportunities in vital sectors, including renewable energy, logistics and construction services. Sheikh Khaled highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone in UAE-EAEU relations, serving as a catalyst to further increase trade volumes and unlock new avenues of economic cooperation. He underscored that the UAE, through the EPA, aims to strengthen ties between business communities, investors and entrepreneurs across UAE and EAEU member states, laying a foundation for robust economic cooperation while reflecting the depth of friendship and constructive collaboration binding the UAE and the EAEU member nations. The agreement is expected to further enhance private-sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains, and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand their operations globally. Building on years of economic cooperation, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU nations grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to reach US$29 billion, while trade between the two partners witnessed a fourfold increase since 2021. The EPA was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia; Natalia Petkevitch, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board. WAM


Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE President, President of European Council discuss UAE-EU ties, regional developments
27 June 2025 20:49 ABU DHABI (WAM)UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Friday from His Excellency António Costa, President of the European call explored various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and the European Union and its member states, as well as ways to broaden these ties to deliver mutual benefits and two sides discussed ongoing negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the European Union, highlighting its importance in advancing relations and supporting joint development Highness and the President of the European Council reviewed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a particular focus on developments in the Middle East. They emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to enable the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of also called for intensified international efforts to advance progress towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. The two sides further underlined the vital importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving regional crises and safeguarding regional and global security and stability.


Dubai Eye
12 hours ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Sheikh Khaled attends Eurasian Economic forum in Minsk
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthen relations with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for stronger economic partnerships in the future. An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Eurasian Economic Union was signed, which Sheikh Khaled called a significant milestone in UAE-EAEU relations, serving as a catalyst to further increase trade volumes and unlock new avenues of economic cooperation. Chaired by President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in Minsk on Friday brought together heads of state and government from the member countries of the EAEU. The UAE participated as a guest of honour alongside leaders from invited nations including Uzbekistan, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Myanmar. During his address, Sheikh Khaled thanked Lukashenko for inviting the UAE to participate in the meeting and underscored the importance of fostering closer cooperation to generate greater trade and investment opportunities. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan's leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov were among those who attended the meeting. The EPA is expected to further enhance private-sector collaboration, strengthen supply chains and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand their operations globally. Building on years of economic cooperation, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU nations grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to reach US$29 billion, while trade between the two partners witnessed a fourfold increase since 2021.


Sharjah 24
14 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE in top 7 for tourist spending
GDP The sector contributed AED257.3 billion (US$70.1 billion) to the national GDP, accounting for 13% of the economy. This marks a 3.2% increase from 2023 and a remarkable 26% growth compared to 2019, one of the highest growth rates globally and regionally in terms of tourism's contribution to economic development. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the sector's achievements, stating, 'In a new indicator of the strength and diversity of our national economy, the WTTC report highlights the exceptional achievements of the UAE tourism sector. International visitor spending exceeded AED217 billion last year, with domestic tourism expenditure reaching AED57 billion. The UAE ranks among the world's top seven destinations for international tourist spending, surpassing countries that have been in this industry for centuries.' He added, 'We welcome tourists, delight in attracting investors, embrace talent, and build the best environment for living, tourism, and visitation. Welcome to the world.' Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasised that the UAE has placed tourism at the heart of its strategy to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth. He credited the nation's success to proactive initiatives and strategic tourism plans that have positioned the UAE as a unique and attractive global destination. These efforts include strengthening infrastructure across the seven emirates, enhancing the appeal of tourism-related investments, and showcasing the country's rich cultural and experiential diversity. Significant improvements in airport and travel infrastructure have also contributed to the country's elevated standing in global travel and tourism. UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector Al Marri also noted, 'Just days ago, the UAE achieved a historic milestone in the tourism sector with the election of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Today's WTTC results reaffirm the wisdom of our leadership's vision in enhancing the competitiveness of our tourism sector, creating employment opportunities for Emiratis, and further cementing our position as a global tourism powerhouse.' 'These achievements underscore that the UAE tourism sector is confidently progressing toward the goals set out in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to increase the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED450 billion and raise the number of hotel guests to 40 million annually by the next decade.' He noted that national efforts are ongoing to develop a fully integrated tourism ecosystem, guided by international best practices. These efforts include strengthening engagement with key regional and international tourism markets, expanding the range of tourism offerings, and enhancing service quality to provide comprehensive and enriching experiences for visitors from around the world. 'These initiatives are in line with the UAE vision We the UAE 2031, and they aim to elevate the country's status as one of the world's leading tourism destinations in the coming decade,' he concluded. UAE continues to assert its position as one of the world's leading travel destinations Regarding international tourism, the WTTC report highlighted that the UAE continues to assert its position as one of the world's leading travel destinations. In 2024, the country welcomed international visitors from a diverse range of key markets, including India: 14%, United Kingdom: 8%, Russia: 8%, China: 5%, Saudi Arabia: 5%, and rest of the world: 60%. This broad geographical distribution reflects the UAE's growing global appeal and the effectiveness of its flexible and inclusive tourism policies in attracting a wide array of visitors. UAE reached AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in 2024 The report further revealed that international visitor spending in the UAE reached AED217.3 billion (US$59.2 billion) in 2024, marking a 5.8% increase from 2023 and a 30.4% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending also witnessed strong growth, reaching AED57.6 billion (US$15.7 billion) in 2024, an increase of 2.4% over 2023 and a remarkable 41% rise compared to 2019. These figures underscore both the resilience and upward momentum of the UAE's tourism sector across international and domestic fronts, further solidifying its position as a premier global destination. The WTTC report projects that international visitor spending in the UAE will rise by 5.2% in 2025, reaching approximately AED228.5 billion. Meanwhile, domestic tourism spending is expected to grow by 4.3%, hitting AED60 billion by the end of the year. The report also highlighted that leisure tourism accounted for 84.7% of total tourism expenditure in the UAE in 2024, while business tourism represented 15.3%. This demonstrates the sector's adaptability and its ability to balance both recreational and commercial tourism demands. Moreover, the breakdown of spending showed that 79% of total tourism expenditure came from international visitors, while 21% was attributed to domestic tourists. The report further emphasised that despite the UAE's rapid tourism sector growth, the country has remained firmly committed to environmental standards and sustainability goals. In 2023, carbon emissions linked to tourism activities accounted for only 13.3% of the nation's total emissions, reflecting the UAE's strategic focus on integrating sustainability across its tourism landscape. Aligns with the UAE's broader vision to promote sustainable practices across all sectors This performance aligns with the UAE's broader vision to promote sustainable practices across all sectors — ensuring that tourism growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility and long-term ecological balance. On the social front, the report highlighted that women accounted for 16.3% of the direct workforce in the UAE's travel and tourism sector in 2023. Additionally, youth aged 15–24 years made up 9.7% of the total employment in the sector, reflecting its growing role in empowering both women and younger generations within the national labour market. From a fiscal perspective, the tourism and travel sector generated US$8.6 billion in tax revenues in 2023, representing 5.4% of total government revenues. This underscores the sector's increasing financial significance and its vital contribution to the country's public treasury. On the global level, the report stated that the travel and tourism sector contributed US$10.9 trillion to the global GDP in 2024, representing 10% of the world economy. This reflects an 8.5% increase compared to 2023 and a 6% rise compared 2019. Looking ahead, the sector's contribution is projected to reach US$11.7 trillion in 2025, which would mark a 6.7% increase over 2024 and a 13% growth over 2019, underscoring the sustained recovery and expansion of global tourism. The report also highlighted the sector's robust role in job creation, with 356.6 million jobs generated worldwide in 2024, accounting for 10.6% of total global employment. This represents a 6.2% increase from 2023 and a 5.6% increase from 2019.