Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi represents UAE at G20 summit in Brazil

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th G20 Summit on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The summit, held on November 18–19, 2024, brings together the world's most powerful economies to discuss global challenges and sustainable solutions under the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet."

Strengthening UAE-Brazil relations

As part of his official visit, Sheikh Khaled met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The talks highlighted the 50-year history of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Brazil, emphasizing shared goals in key areas such as economy, investment, renewable energy, and sustainability.

The leaders also celebrated a major milestone: signing two memoranda of understanding (MoUs). One aims to enhance UAE investments in strategic Brazilian sectors, signed by UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Brazil’s Chief of Staff Rui Costa.

The second focuses on cooperation in Africa, signed by UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy and Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

A strategic partnership in action

Brazil, hosting the G20 presidency this year, has prioritized tackling global governance, poverty, hunger, and climate challenges. The UAE has supported these priorities, actively participating in key ministerial meetings held in Brazil throughout the year.

Trade and investment remain a cornerstone of UAE-Brazil relations. Bilateral trade reached AED 13.28 billion in the first eight months of 2024, solidifying Brazil as the UAE's top trading partner in Latin America. UAE investments in Brazil, exceeding $5 billion, span sectors including logistics, aviation, and renewable energy, spearheaded by Emirati giants like Mubadala, DP World, and Emirates Airlines.

Additionally, both nations have aligned their climate agendas. Brazil endorsed the UAE Declaration on a Global Climate Finance Framework, launched during COP28, which mobilized over $85 billion in funding. This collaboration underscores the commitment to addressing global climate challenges ahead of COP30 in Brazil in 2025.

UAE's expanding role in G20

The UAE's participation as a guest at the G20 reflects its growing influence in global economic and diplomatic circles. The country’s non-oil foreign trade with G20 nations surged to $393.2 billion in 2023, a 15.3% increase from 2022. G20 nations now account for over half of the UAE’s total non-oil trade, showcasing the deepening ties between the UAE and the world's largest economies.

By engaging in dialogues at the G20, the UAE reinforces its vision of sustainable development, global cooperation, and economic diversification.

The UAE's presence at the G20 Summit, coupled with its robust bilateral ties with Brazil, signals a commitment to global collaboration on pressing issues. As Brazil takes the helm of the G20 and prepares for COP30, the UAE's active involvement paves the way for a future defined by shared goals and sustainable progress.