UAE-Saudi Arabia ties are model for GCC

Close bilateral integration builds on the synergies shared in the economy, politics and security

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have always had a special and close relationship, one that has prospered from a common purpose and a shared outlook on this region and beyond. As neighbours, the two nations are in lockstep, as allies they are inseparable, and are united in having a common heritage and history. Indeed, if anything, both are now exploring ways to integrate where possible, sharing common platforms.

This relationship provides an ideal example too for the region, and the world in general, showing that close collaboration and integration provides the way forward to overcome obstacles, improve economy and build on the natural synergy.

Individually, the economies of both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are strong, vibrant and growing. Closer integration between the two builds on those strengths, harnesses the potential of both and creates an economic powerhouse that dominates and influences all others in the Middle East.

The strong ties between the two brotherly nations were reiterated with the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Emirati Cooperation Council in Jeddah recently, which outlined a unified vision aimed at boosting the global stature of both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Some 44 joint projects were announced as part of the strategic partnership that is determined to move the two allies even closer on economic and security grounds as well as developing better commercial ties, ensuring a joint prosperity and improving the living standards for all.

Clearly this is an important and strategic development in the relationship between the nations and neighbours. To that effect and to mark the significance of the first meeting of the cooperation council, it was chaired by both His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia and President of the Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

Determined to address and improve their joint standing on the global stage in a number of areas that includes the economy, political affairs, human development and security, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are aiming to improve the welfare and happiness of all who call both nations home. It’s an initiative that can only ensure both nations go from strength to strength together.