ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The agenda included strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic collaborations, and addressing current issues across the Middle East. The two leaders explored avenues to enhance connections between the UAE and Jordan and deliberated on regional security, stability, and ongoing efforts to promote enduring peace. This meeting took place during King Abdullah’s official visit to the UAE.
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the talks. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah discussed joint initiatives in trade, investment, and development under the framework of the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement provides both nations with an expanded structure to facilitate commercial and investment activities. They also examined broader cooperation areas supporting their respective national development strategies. The UAE and Jordan maintain strong political relations and frequently consult on economic and regional issues.
Representing Jordan were Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, while senior UAE officials participated as well. Participants included Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their presence underscored the high-level nature of the discussions, involving officials responsible for political, economic, and foreign policy matters in both countries.
Trade Pact Strengthens Economic Relations
On October 6, 2024, the UAE and Jordan signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which officially took effect on May 15, 2025. Notably, this marked the UAE’s first comprehensive economic pact with an Arab nation. The agreement covers over 98% of tariff lines, establishing common rules governing goods and services. It also addresses key areas such as investment, customs procedures, digital trade, and cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises.
The trade framework allows for preferential treatment of qualifying goods, provided they adhere to agreed rules of origin and technical standards. Over 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan benefits from liberalized trade measures. Additionally, the pact introduces mechanisms for customs cooperation and investment promotion, including the creation of committees and official contact points to oversee its implementation. Both nations see this agreement as a vital platform to expand their economic ties further.
Regional Issues Take Center Stage During Leaders’ Discussions
Regional developments also played a significant role in the Abu Dhabi discussions. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanged perspectives on ongoing events affecting the Middle East and underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between the UAE and Jordan concerning security and stability. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace across the region. The dialogue reflected the regular political consultations between Abu Dhabi and Amman on major regional matters.
Following the talks, King Abdullah left Abu Dhabi later on Sunday, concluding his UAE visit. Sheikh Mohamed was present at the departure along with senior UAE officials. The meeting combined discussions on bilateral economic priorities with regional security issues, reinforcing the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in strengthening UAE-Jordan relations. The visit served as an opportunity for the two sides to review existing cooperation and ensure continuous coordination at the leadership and senior official levels.