Abu Dhabi
In his article “Riyadh in the Heart of Abu Dhabi,” published in the UAE’s Al Khaleej newspaper on October 22, 2026, Dr. Salah Al-Ghul, a member of the General Assembly of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, discussed the strategic importance of Emirati-Saudi relations and the role of the partnership between the two countries in supporting regional stability and expanding the horizons of economic and investment cooperation in the Gulf region.
Al-Ghul stressed that relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are based on deep-rooted historical and social ties and shared strategic interests, noting that the sustainability of this partnership requires developing areas of economic and institutional cooperation, and taking advantage of the capabilities that the two countries possess in facing economic transformations and regional and international challenges.
On the economic front, the article addressed opportunities for integration between the Emirati and Saudi economies, given the Kingdom’s economic and geographic weight and the UAE’s prominent position in trade, investment, and logistics. It highlighted the importance of moving towards broader levels of cooperation, including linking markets, developing supply chains, and expanding joint investments, thereby achieving mutual economic interests and enhancing the competitiveness of Gulf economies in global markets.
He also addressed the importance of institutional coordination and continued consultation between the two countries, as they are essential for the stability of economic relations and the development of long-term partnerships, stressing that common interests and mutual trust form a solid foundation for continued cooperation in various fields.
The economic aspects discussed in the article align with the priorities of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy in supporting Arab economic integration, developing digital trade, and connecting markets and supply chains. Economic partnerships between major Arab countries represent an opportunity to expand the use of digital technologies in trade, logistics, and investment, facilitate companies’ access to regional markets, and create a more integrated environment for business growth and joint ventures.
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining and developing the strategic UAE-Saudi relations in a way that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to achieving greater stability and economic prosperity for the Gulf region.
