The UAE took part in the 116th session of the Arab Economic and Social Council, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo from August 31 to September 3, 2025.
Chaired by the Republic of Tunisia and attended by delegations from member states, the session addressed avenues for strengthening Arab cooperation in economic and social fields.
Key discussions centred on advancing sustainable development agendas and coordinating collective efforts to address pressing regional and global priorities.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, who headed the UAE delegation at the meetings, emphasised that the UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, remains committed to actively shaping and implementing economic and social initiatives that foster Arab economic integration and support the welfare of Arab societies. “The session represents an important milestone in aligning positions and coordinating joint efforts toward achieving comprehensive development across the region,” he said.
He pointed out that the items on the agenda address regional priorities amid international shifts, particularly in enhancing intra-Arab trade, strengthening food and water security, improving the investment and business climate, advancing digital transformation, and empowering youth and women to achieve inclusive development in Arab societies.
“The UAE attaches great importance to the development of Arab organisations, recognising them as centres of expertise that provide member states with specialised knowledge and services,” Al Saleh stated. “This commitment stems from a resolution adopted during the Council’s previous session to form an expert task force based on a working paper submitted by the UAE, aimed at formulating effective strategies to boost the efficiency of Arab organisations and strengthen their capacity to support development priorities and our joint efforts.”
The Council also reviewed reports on the implementation of resolutions from previous summits and sessions, including progress on priority projects, initiatives, and partnerships with international and regional organisations.
On the economic front, deliberations focused on the next phase of the Arab Joint Economic Action Programme, including the removal of customs barriers, finalisation of requirements for the Arab Customs Union, and activation of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). Further discussions covered developing transportation and logistics networks, as well as promoting entrepreneurship through financing mechanisms and capacity-building programmes.
On the social front, the Council examined initiatives to enhance public health systems, expand education programmes that prepare future-ready skills, and deepen cultural and media collaboration to empower youth and women in the workforce. The agenda also included the Arab Strategy for the Empowerment of People of Determination, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
(Inputs from WAM)
