Diplomacy often unfolds gradually. But every so often, there are moments when the pace of change accelerates, when relationships evolve, trust deepens and opportunities align. The ties between the EU and the UAE are in such a moment.
When I arrived in Abu Dhabi two years ago, I sensed great potential in our partnership. However, what we have witnessed since then has gone far beyond potential – it has been a true transformation. Today, the relationship between the EU and the Emirates is entering a new phase: more strategic, more comprehensive and more aligned.
This new chapter is grounded in shared values and joint priorities. At a time when fears are rising and geopolitical tensions are sharpening, the EU and the UAE are choosing a different path, one of partnership, bridge building and opportunity.
In April, President Sheikh Mohamed and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to launch negotiations on an EU-UAE Free Trade Agreement, an agreement between the world´s largest economic bloc and a global trading hub. This historic event sets the stage for expanded economic ties across goods, services, digital trade and strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials.
The numbers already speak volumes. The EU is the UAE’s first investment partner and second-largest global trading partner. Our mutual investments amount to €328 billion ($382.86 billion). A future Free Trade Agreement should unlock untapped mutual benefits. But the potential of our relationship goes well beyond the existing context. For example, the EU and the UAE are currently negotiating a Strategic Partnership Agreement that will expand our co-operation to cover traditional and emerging sectors such as space, AI, cybersecurity, education, climate innovation, sustainability and much more, providing huge opportunities for further economic co-operation.
Our political engagement has also grown stronger through regular political and parliamentary exchanges. In June, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, for the first time addressed the Federal National Council in Abu Dhabi. Soon thereafter, and following months of joint efforts, the European Parliament decided to remove the UAE from its list of high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering legislation. This recognition of the progress made by the UAE in this area also stands as a testament to the enduring resilience and adaptability of European democracy. I am confident that our co-operation on this issue will continue to strengthen.
Nevertheless, diplomacy is not about progress only – it is also about facing challenges together. We are both navigating an increasingly volatile global landscape. War looms at our doorstep, and as Ms Metsola stressed during her speech before the FNC: “History has taught us that when the world feels like it is on fire, it is not enough to contain the flames. We need to extinguish them.”
When I arrived in Abu Dhabi two years ago, I sensed great potential in our partnership. However, what we have witnessed since then has gone far beyond potential – it has been a true transformation
Russia’s war in Ukraine remains the most pivotal and potent challenge for Europe’s future because it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake, but also European destiny. Having learnt through hardship, we believe that every country should have the freedom to shape its own future, and that borders must never be changed by force. The ripple effect of this war is already felt globally.
Our dedication to peace and co-existence also guides our approach to the Middle East. The EU is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly the devastating humanitarian toll they are taking. The war in Gaza has brought appalling suffering to Palestinian civilians and continuous uncertainty for Israeli hostages and their families. The EU and UAE share a common goal: to restore the ceasefire that can lead to a just and lasting peace. The Emirates has played a vital role as a partner for diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and regional stability. We continue to be firm advocates for a two-state solution, based on mutual recognition and peaceful co-existence.
As I reflect on the past two years, I see more than just milestones reached. I see a relationship that is growing in confidence and clarity. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, one marked by openness, ambition and mutual respect. The path ahead is full of potential, and I look forward to shaping it alongside our Emirati partners, with the same spirit of co-operation that has brought us this far.
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Landfill in numbers
• Landfill gas is composed of 50 per cent methane
• Methane is 28 times more harmful than Co2 in terms of global warming
• 11 million total tonnes of waste are being generated annually in Abu Dhabi
• 18,000 tonnes per year of hazardous and medical waste is produced in Abu Dhabi emirate per year
• 20,000 litres of cooking oil produced in Abu Dhabi’s cafeterias and restaurants every day is thrown away
• 50 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s waste is from construction and demolition
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AIDA%20RETURNS
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Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Correspondents
By Tim Murphy
(Grove Press)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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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
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
