Overview
The UAE became a full member of BRICS in January 2024. Its policy is simple: economic cooperation must create real opportunities for countries, businesses and people. The UAE sees BRICS as a platform to deepen connectivity, attract investment and support the Global South through trade, finance and infrastructure.
Key Developments
- India will chair BRICS in 2026, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
- The NDB has approved over $40 billion in financing since its inception.
- The UAE‑India CEPA helped non‑oil bilateral trade rise 17 % in 2025 to more than $76 billion, with a target of $200 billion by 2032.
- The UAE’s non‑oil sector contributed almost 79 % of its GDP in 2025, backed by world‑class logistics, finance and innovation ecosystems.
- With $2.9 trillion in sovereign wealth assets and 38 CEPA signed, the UAE can link capital, markets and people at scale.
Important Facts
The UAE’s strategic location enables its ports, airports and logistics networks to connect markets across Asia, Africa and Europe. Its financial centres channel international capital to regional projects, while universities and research institutes foster talent and technology transfer. The UAE’s approach to cooperation is built on "connectivity" – not merely moving goods, but creating an environment where capital, knowledge, technology and people interact.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the UAE’s role in BRICS helps answer several UPSC topics:
- India’s foreign policy and leadership in multilateral forums (GS2: Polity).
- Emerging market cooperation mechanisms and the challenges of the multilateral trading system (GS3: Economy).
- The impact of sovereign wealth funds on global finance and development (GS3: Economy).
- India‑UAE economic ties as a case study of comprehensive partnership agreements (GS3: Economy).
Way Forward
Under India’s 2026 chairmanship, BRICS should move from dialogue to delivery: simplify trade rules, strengthen supply‑chain resilience, and expand joint research and innovation. The UAE can contribute by leveraging its logistics hubs, financial markets and CEPA experience to deepen people‑to‑people links among members. Looking ahead to China’s chair in 2027, the momentum built in 2026 can be extended to a broader, more inclusive connectivity agenda that benefits all BRICS members and the wider Global South.