ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic collaboration, and regional developments across the Middle East. The leaders explored avenues to deepen the partnership between the UAE and Jordan, also addressing regional security, stability, and efforts toward enduring peace. The meeting coincided with King Abdullah’s official visit to the UAE.
Economic cooperation was a key topic during the talks. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, and development within the framework of the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement provides a broader structure for commercial and investment relations. The leaders also considered expanding cooperation to support their respective national development goals. The UAE and Jordan continue to enjoy close political ties, frequently consulting on economic and regional issues.
Jordan’s delegation included Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, with senior UAE officials participating as well. Among them were 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, bringing together officials responsible for political, economic, and foreign affairs in both nations.
Trade Pact Anchors Economic Ties
On October 6, 2024, the UAE and Jordan signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which officially came into effect on May 15, 2025. This agreement marks the UAE’s first comprehensive economic pact with an Arab country, covering more than 98% of tariff lines and establishing uniform rules for goods and services. It also addresses investment, customs procedures, digital trade, and cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises.
The trade framework provides preferential treatment to qualifying goods that adhere to agreed-upon rules of origin and technical standards. Over 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan is included within its liberalization scope. The agreement incorporates mechanisms to facilitate customs cooperation and promote investment activities, including the formation of committees and official contact points to oversee its implementation. Both governments view this pact as a fundamental instrument to enhance bilateral economic engagement.
Leaders Discuss Regional Issues
Regional concerns played a significant role in the Abu Dhabi discussions. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanged perspectives on developments impacting the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of ongoing UAE-Jordan coordination on security and stability issues. They reaffirmed their support for efforts toward achieving lasting peace across the region. These exchanges reflected the routine political consultations between Abu Dhabi and Amman regarding major regional events.
Following the talks, King Abdullah left Abu Dhabi later on Sunday, with Sheikh Mohamed attending his departure alongside senior UAE officials. The meeting successfully combined bilateral economic interests with regional security and peace discussions. It also highlighted the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in strengthening UAE-Jordan relations. Both sides used this opportunity to review existing cooperation, ensuring direct communication between their leaders and senior officials continues smoothly.