The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) recently hosted a high-level briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi to spotlight the UAE’s vital role in advancing Gulf financial and economic integration. The session aimed to raise awareness of the positive regional impact of economic collaboration while underscoring the UAE’s contributions to the joint Gulf action framework.
The event convened senior officials from both ministries, who discussed the structure and progress of GCC-wide initiatives such as the Customs Union and the GCC Common Market, along with plans to accelerate regional economic harmonisation.
Among the attendees were Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations; and Ibrahim Hassan Al Jarwan, Director of the GCC Affairs Department at MoF. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by senior diplomats including Omar Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary; Abdullah Mohammad Abdul Rahman Al Bulooki, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services; and several key department heads and officials from both ministries.
Strengthening Gulf Cooperation Ahead of UAE’s 2026 GCC Presidency
The briefing comes as GCC nations continue to push forward with unifying their markets and streamlining financial systems. As the UAE prepares for its GCC presidency in 2026, the session explored upcoming awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives aimed at reinforcing the shared goals of the Unified Economic Agreement.
Discussions focused on the implementation of Gulf agreements, and the UAE’s instrumental role in promoting policies that facilitate capital movement, enhance tax efficiency, and support the ease of doing business across GCC member states.
Younis Haji AlKhoori highlighted the strategic importance of Gulf integration, stating:
“The Gulf financial and economic integration is not merely a development initiative but a strategic priority that reflects the unified interests of the GCC countries. The UAE is committed to translating this vision into tangible outcomes that strengthen the Gulf Common Market.”
He added that the Ministry of Finance will continue to monitor GCC resolutions, build robust bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, and also roll out forward-looking initiatives to ensure financial stability and foster sustainable economic growth across the region.
This briefing is part of a wider campaign by the Ministry to strengthen institutional engagement, enhance public awareness, and highlight the UAE’s proactive role in shaping the Gulf’s economic future.
UAE Expands Global Tourism Ties with Spain and Croatia
In parallel, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, recently concluded a European tour to Spain and Croatia aimed at boosting cooperation in the tourism sector. He held bilateral meetings with Tonči Glavina, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism.
The talks also focused on sustainable tourism development, with an exchange of best practices and innovations. Minister Bin Touq stressed the UAE’s interest in enhancing strategic tourism partnerships and creating opportunities that drive mutual prosperity.
He noted the UAE’s rapid growth in tourism, driven by national initiatives, world-class infrastructure, and a surge in global tourist inflows.
“The UAE continues to support initiatives that promote global tourism growth and is committed to working with the UN Tourism and international partners to expand cooperation in various sub-sectors,” Bin Touq said.
These developments reflect the UAE’s growing influence on both regional economic integration and international tourism cooperation, reinforcing its position as a key player on the global economic stage.
