UAE participates in the 117th session of the Economic and Social Council, underscores its support for strengthening investment opportunities and SME development across Arab countries

Session focuses on enhancing collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and digital transformation

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, led the UAE delegation participating in the 117th ordinary session of the Economic and Social Council, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo. The session was attended by H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Mohamed Saleh Shelwah Al Tunaiji, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Tourism for Arab League Affairs; and various ministers and officials from participating Arab countries.

The meeting discussed the means to strengthen Arab cooperation in economic and social fields, and advance sustainable development plans. It also explored the coordination of efforts on priority fields, thereby supporting Arab economic and social integration.

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the UAE’s commitment to contributing effectively to the development and implementation of economic and social initiatives that enhance integration among Arab economies. H.E. emphasised the meeting’s importance a key platform for exchanging dialogue, sharing experiences, and unifying efforts among Arab countries. It also provides an opportunity to develop new initiatives and projects that enhance sustainable economic and social development.

H.E. further noted that the themes on the Council’s agenda align with the region's priorities amid ongoing regional and global economic and geopolitical changes, particularly SME development, the business and investment environment enhancement, support for digital transformation, and economic empowerment of youth and women.

Additionally, H.B. Bin Touq reviewed various leading UAE initiatives that support economic and social development pathways in the region, including the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development, which provides a unified platform to enhance women’s participation in the economy and develop their leadership and professional capabilities. His Excellency also highlighted various initiatives, including “The Arab Reading Challenge”, “The Arab Parliament for the Child” (APC), and “The Hope Makers”.

H.E. also discussed a range of UAE's key economic achievements, including 7th global ranking in strong and stable economy in the Global Soft Power Index 2025. Over the past year, the UAE welcomed nearly 250,000 new companies, while achieving non-oil GDP growth of 5.7 per cent during the first half of 2025.

Moreover, H.E. underscored the importance of focusing on AI in the Council’s upcoming agenda as one of the priority sectors, shedding light on the UAE’s leading experience in this vital sector. The rate of AI tools usage has reached around 97 per cent, one of the highest globally.

In detail, the Council reviewed the joint Arab economic action programme for the upcoming phase, which includes eliminating customs barriers, completing the requirements of the Arab Customs Union, activating the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and developing transport networks and logistical connectivity among Arab countries. The programme also includes strengthening intra-regional investments, supporting SMEs and entrepreneurship activities, and implementing joint initiatives to advance digital transformation and economic innovation.

In addition, the session reviewed various initiatives on the social front aimed at supporting public health, expanding education and future skills development, and enhancing cultural and media collaboration among member states.

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