The UAE will join Saudi Arabia in celebrating the Kingdom’s 94th National Day on September 23, strengthening the deep ties of brotherhood between the two countries.
Relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are a unique model of cooperation, characterized by a rich history and strong collaboration across various sectors. The UAE’s participation in the celebrations underlines the special bond shared by the leadership and people of the two countries. This partnership has laid a solid foundation for Gulf, Arab and regional cooperation, and has contributed greatly to regional stability and prosperity.
The foundations of this bilateral relationship were strengthened through the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Under the leadership of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the relationship developed into a comprehensive partnership. Today, this legacy continues under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The fruitful relationship between the two countries has promoted inclusive and sustainable development. Over the past decade, non-oil trade between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has grown significantly and is expected to reach AED 135 billion by 2023, up approximately 69 percent from AED 79.9 billion in 2013, according to a report by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% with non-oil trade reaching AED 1,032 billion over the last decade (2014-2023), comprised of imports of AED 252.46 billion, exports of AED 255.5 billion and re-exports of AED 524 billion.
According to the latest data from the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Statistics, trade volume in the first half of 2024 will reach $17.53 billion, representing a growth rate of 22.5 percent compared to $14.31 billion in the same period in 2023. Notably, the UAE’s exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 10.26 percent to $6.8 billion, while imports increased to $10.73 billion.
Beyond economic cooperation, tourism and cultural ties greatly support the commercial sectors of both countries. Rooted in geographic and social connections, these relations are demonstrated through various education initiatives. While Emirati students have historically attended schools in Saudi Arabian cities such as Mecca and Riyadh, Saudi Arabian students are now welcome at UAE universities.
Cultural relations between the two countries are strengthened through joint agreements and programs, reflecting the deep-rooted history, common heritage and social ties between the two countries.
As Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, the event coincides with the Kingdom’s ambitious development plans under Saudi Vision 2030, a transformation program aimed at paving the way to a prosperous future and writing a new chapter in the nation’s journey.
The UAE’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s celebrations underscores the enduring partnership between the two Gulf countries, which is based on mutual respect, common goals and commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
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