ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The agenda centered on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring avenues to expand cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, the leaders examined recent regional developments and shared concerns across the Middle East. They underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue on regional security, stability, and the pursuit of enduring peace. King Abdullah arrived in the UAE accompanied by a senior Jordanian delegation.
Discussions also covered collaboration in economic, trade, and developmental sectors under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah reaffirmed their dedication to deepening ties across sectors vital for national growth. They examined strategies to further expand cooperation aligned with shared priorities. The two countries maintain a longstanding relationship characterized by active political and economic engagement, complemented by regular high-level consultations. Their latest meeting underscored the importance of bilateral progress and regional coordination as core agenda items.
King Abdullah’s visit was welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed upon his arrival, with Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan also present. Senior officials from the UAE, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attended the talks, alongside Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their participation reflected the broad scope of bilateral issues discussed during the visit.
Economic collaboration advances UAE-Jordan relations
The principal mechanism for expanding economic ties is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed on October 6, 2024, and effective from May 15, 2025. This marked the UAE’s first comprehensive economic accord with an Arab nation, facilitating trade liberalization on over 98% of tariff lines. The agreement also encompasses services, investment, digital trade, customs cooperation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Preferential treatment is granted to goods meeting specific rules of origin and technical standards, covering more than 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan. The framework introduces mechanisms to streamline customs procedures and foster investment collaboration, with dedicated committees and focal points overseeing implementation. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah emphasized that economic, trade, and developmental cooperation remain pivotal for further strengthening UAE-Jordan relations.
Focus on regional security and stability remains crucial
The talks also addressed regional issues, with Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanging perspectives on Middle Eastern stability and broader regional challenges. Both leaders highlighted the significance of sustained coordination between the UAE and Jordan, linking this cooperation to efforts aimed at reinforcing security and stability in the region. They reaffirmed their support for initiatives seeking long-term peace, focusing their discussions on shared regional interests.
Later on Sunday, King Abdullah departed from the UAE, with Sheikh Mohamed present to bid him farewell alongside senior UAE officials. The visit continued the pattern of regular engagement between the two leaders on bilateral and regional topics. Their discussions in Abu Dhabi combined economic cooperation under the partnership agreement with consultations on developments across the Middle East. Both nations reiterated their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral coordination on economic, developmental, and regional issues.