For the better part of the 20th century, international diplomacy danced to the tune of superpowers. A seismic shift occurred in the early 1990s as the US became the solitary global leader. Today, as the world grapples with unprecedented challenges that demand collective efforts, the established norms of international relations are undergoing yet another transformation.
The transition from a unipolar or bipolar world to a multipolar one has thrust middle powers into a pivotal role. In an era where the solutions to global challenges demand collective action, middle powers bring their diplomatic finesse and adaptability to the fore. They can leverage their cultural and economic sway as vital bridges to champion values, promote financial stability, and ensure regional peace.
The simultaneous inclusion of six new members, including former rivals and competitors such as Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into the Brics grouping brings substantial value to the ongoing endeavours of advancing economic diplomacy and political reconciliation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The UAE sees its Brics membership as diversifying its partnerships and markets while preserving its traditional relations with Europe and the US
The UAE stands at a juncture as it joins Brics. Beyond economic motives, this move signifies the UAE's ambition to amplify its geopolitical sway, encourage multilateral co-operation, and adapt to a multipolar world.
The UAE can solidify its position as a global trade and logistics hub by aligning with the Brics economies. A testament to this potential is the thriving UAE-India bilateral trade, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, spurred by their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. China has also become the country's largest non-oil trading partner. Trade between the UAE and Brazil has also increased by a whopping 32 per cent between 2021 and 2022 and surged a further 8 per cent in the first seven months of 2023. Diversification is critical if the country is to achieve its ambition of doubling its gross domestic product by 2030, continuing to reduce its dependency on oil and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
At a time when global confrontation is on the rise, Abu Dhabi sees a long-term investment in co-operation as the best way forward. Joining Brics elevates the UAE's geopolitical clout and the Emirates recognises the importance of consolidating its relations with diverse actors such as the US, China, India, Russia and the EU. From the passage of the landmark resolution addressing hate speech and extremism to the renewal of crucial UN peacekeeping mandates during its second presidency of the Security Council, the UAE has shown that it can be a strong voice for multilateralism.
The UAE's accession to Brics offers more than just economic growth or political clout; it is an opportunity to attract talent and investment through strategic partnerships. Indian IT companies already leverage the UAE as a hub to tap into nearby regional markets. More than 200 Indian companies participated in Gitex Global 2022, the world's biggest technology event. Education partnerships with Brazilian universities can contribute to the UAE's innovation landscape. In 2022, Mubadala invested in two medical universities in Brazil with about 2,000 students.
As a significant oil producer, the UAE stands to find common ground with Brics nations in energy collaboration, renewable energy, energy security and sustainable development. For instance, the UAE and India are close to a renewable energy interconnection agreement. Both countries have agreed to expand bilateral co-operation towards accelerated climate action, including public-private partnership across renewable power deployment, agriculture efficiency, green hydrogen and carbon market development.
The UAE's membership in Brics symbolises its strategic vision of diversification in a world reshaped by the dynamic interplay of multiple powers. Abu Dhabi does not see its accession to Brics as joining a bloc. On the contrary, it sees it as diversifying its partnerships and markets while preserving its traditional relations with Europe and the US. Brics membership empowers the UAE to bolster its multi-alignment strategy by fostering the diplomatic ties that it has with the US through initiatives such as I2U2 (Israel, India, the UAE and the US) and with China through the Brics grouping. The UAE's diplomatic agility, robust economic partnerships and commitment to multilateralism are a beacon of hope amid turbulent times. As the country looks to host Cop28 and the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, the UAE's contributions to Brics discussions on climate action, counterterrorism and sustainable development could prove invaluable.
In the intricate tapestry of international relations, middle powers are emerging as the linchpins of co-operation, wielding their influence to build bridges, foster peace and drive progress. The UAE's journey towards Brics membership reflects its determination to shape a brighter global future in a world yearning for collaboration.
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Rashid & Rajab
Director: Mohammed Saeed Harib
Stars: Shadi Alfons, Marwan Abdullah, Doaa Mostafa Ragab
Two stars out of five
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
FIGHT%20CARD
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Company%20profile
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Pakhtoons 137-6 (10 ov)
Fletcher 68 not out; Cutting 2-14
Sindhis 129-8 (10 ov)
Perera 47; Sohail 2-18
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
In 2018, the ICRC received 27,756 trace requests in the Middle East alone. The global total was 45,507.
There are 139,018 global trace requests that have not been resolved yet, 55,672 of these are in the Middle East region.
More than 540,000 individuals approached the ICRC in the Middle East asking to be reunited with missing loved ones in 2018.
The total figure for the entire world was 654,000 in 2018.
The%20specs
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
