UAE’s Sheikh Khaled Shines at BRICS Summit Brazil 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025. Led by His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE delegation represented the nation on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit, hosted under Brazil’s presidency with the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, highlighted the UAE’s growing influence in multilateral diplomacy and its strategic partnerships with BRICS member countries. This article explores the UAE’s participation, key discussions, and bilateral engagements, emphasizing its role in shaping a sustainable global future. UAE’s Strategic Participation at the BRICS Summit

The BRICS Summit 2025 marked the UAE’s second participation since officially joining the BRICS bloc in January 2024, alongside new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Khaled’s leadership underscored the UAE’s dedication to fostering economic integration, global stability, and South-South cooperation. In his address, he conveyed the UAE President’s greetings and emphasized the importance of balanced international partnerships rooted in cooperation, development, and mutual respect.

The summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and the newly expanded members, alongside representatives from partner nations like Vietnam and Thailand. Discussions focused on critical global issues, including climate change, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, trade, global governance reform, and peace and security. The UAE’s active involvement highlighted its vision for a multilateral world order that prioritizes sustainable growth and economic collaboration.

Key Highlights of the Summit

• Theme: Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
• UAE’s Role: Sheikh Khaled led the delegation, reinforcing UAE’s commitment to global dialogue.
• Key Outcomes: The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, support for local currency trade, and initiatives like the BRICS Multilateral Guarantees and Tropical Forests Forever Facility.
• Bilateral Engagements: Sheikh Khaled met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto to strengthen ties.

Sheikh Khaled’s Bilateral Engagements in Brazil Strengthening UAE-Brazil Relations

On the sidelines of the summit, Sheikh Khaled met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss deepening UAE-Brazil bilateral relations. The meeting emphasized the strategic partnership built on decades of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared interests. Sheikh Khaled expressed gratitude for Brazil’s warm hospitality and conveyed wishes for the country’s continued progress and prosperity. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and sustainable development, aligning with both nations’ goals for a greener future.

Collaboration with Embraer

Sheikh Khaled also held a meeting with Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of

Embraer, the world’s third-largest civil aircraft manufacturer based in São José dos Campos, São Paulo. The talks explored opportunities to enhance UAE-Embraer collaboration in the aviation industry, focusing on knowledge exchange, talent development, research and development (R&D), and technological innovation. Key areas included adopting advanced technologies for operational efficiency and providing technical support for commercial aircraft maintenance. This partnership aligns with the UAE’s vision to advance its aerospace sector and foster global innovation.

UAE’s Delegation and Strategic Vision

Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including:

• E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.
• E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.
• E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State.
• E. Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince.
• E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Media Office and Adviser of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court.
• E. Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Trade Affairs.
• E. Saleh Ahmad Salem Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil.

The delegation reviewed updates on the UAE’s BRICS participation and strategies to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation with member countries.

Sheikh Khaled praised the UAE team, led by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, for ensuring the success of the nation’s participation.

BRICS Summit 2025: Key Discussions and Outcomes

The 17th BRICS Summit addressed pressing global challenges, with a focus on Global South cooperation. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration was a key outcome, emphasizing climate finance, sustainable urbanization, and inclusive growth. Leaders discussed:

• Local Currency Trade: Promoting BRICS Pay and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
• Climate Action: Support for Brazil’s COP30 in 2025 and the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, with UAE and China pledging investments.
• AI Governance: Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and preventing monopolization.
• Global Governance Reform: Advocating for a fairer international system.
• Peace and Security: Calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing geopolitical tensions.

The summit also highlighted the New Development Bank (NDB), which supports infrastructure and sustainability projects in member countries. Brazil aims to strengthen the NDB’s capacity to offer local currency loans, reducing dependency on Western financial institutions.

UAE’s Commitment to Global Stability

Sheikh Khaled’s address emphasized the UAE’s belief in constructive dialogue and economic integration as pillars of global stability. He underscored the importance of BRICS expansion to include new members, enhancing strategic cooperation among Global South nations. The UAE’s participation reflects its role as a responsible global actor, balancing diplomacy with economic growth and sustainability.

The UAE also joined BRICS leaders in condemning attacks on Gaza, Iran, and Kashmir, calling for a two-state solution in Palestine and a ceasefire in Gaza. These stances highlight the UAE’s commitment to peace and humanitarian causes on the global stage.

Challenges and Global Context

The summit occurred amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly due to U.S.

President Donald Trump’s threats of a 10% tariff on BRICS nations for adopting “antiAmerican” policies. Brazilian President Lula da Silva criticized these tariffs, advocating for a diversified global economy and drawing parallels with the NonAligned Movement. Despite challenges, BRICS now represents 41% of global GDP and 49.5% of the world’s population, surpassing the G7.

The absence of key leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President

Vladimir Putin sparked discussions about BRICS’ internal dynamics. However, the UAE’s strong presence, led by Sheikh Khaled, reinforced its commitment to the bloc’s goals.

Why the UAE’s BRICS Participation Matters

• Economic Growth: Expanding trade and investment with BRICS nations.
• Aviation Innovation: Collaboration with Embraer enhances UAE’s aerospace sector.
• Sustainable Future: Commitment to climate finance and AI governance.
• Diplomatic Leadership: Balancing Global South and Western alliances.

The Future of UAE-BRICS Collaboration

As India prepares to assume the BRICS presidency in 2026, the UAE is poised to deepen its engagement with the bloc. The UAE’s focus on sustainable development, economic integration, and technological innovation aligns with BRICS’ goals. With initiatives like the New Development Bank and BRICS Pay, the UAE aims to contribute to a multipolar world order that prioritizes equity and cooperation.

The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro showcased the UAE’s growing influence in global governance, led by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Through strategic engagements with Brazil, Embraer, and BRICS leaders, the UAE reinforced its commitment to economic cooperation, sustainability, and peace. As the BRICS bloc expands, the UAE’s role as a Global South leader will continue to shape a more inclusive world. For the latest insights on UAE diplomacy and global trends, visit hammermindset.com.