Dubai, UAE — January 2026 — The UAE’s Minister of State welcomed the historic free trade agreement reached between India and the European Union, commending it as a model partnership that promotes free trade, economic openness, and sustainable growth.
According to the Emirates News Agency, Saeed Al Hajeri highlighted the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India as an advanced model of strategic trade based on mutual interest and economic integration. He noted such comprehensive agreements deliver tangible benefits for all involved.
Looking ahead, the minister expressed the UAE’s aspiration to successfully conclude its own ongoing negotiations with the European Union, aiming for a bilateral CEPA. He stated such an agreement would reflect the depth of the strong relations and shared interests between the UAE and the EU.
Furthermore, he emphasised the UAE’s firm and ongoing support for promoting international trade and expanding strategic economic partnerships. This stems from the nation’s belief in the vital role of free trade in supporting stability and prosperity at both bilateral and international levels.
This drive for trade pacts is a cornerstone of the UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50’ and its long-term vision to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon dependence. The UAE is positioning itself as a leading advocate for open trade within the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider Middle East region
