Uae's Brics Move Shows Global Role Of Middle Powers

The transition to a multipolar world order means middle powers now have an active role in shaping norms, mediating conflicts, and fostering collaboration. The complexities of challenges like climate change, health crises, and terrorism demand collective solutions, and middle powers, armed with diplomatic acumen and adaptability, step in to bridge divides.

For the UAE, joining the BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, signifies the nation's ambition to amplify its geopolitical sway, encourage multilateral cooperation, and adapt to a multipolar world.

As a nation that has navigated its way to prominence on the world stage, the UAE's interest in aligning with the BRICS takes on significance beyond mere financial considerations. The move presents a forum that resonates with the UAE's pursuit of global strategic partnerships.

One of the standout advantages for the lies in economic diversification and growth opportunities.

By aligning with key partners through a network of
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), the could expand trade possibilities. The has already inked CEPAs with India, Israel, Indonesia, Turkey and Cambodia, with plans for more in the pipeline. Coupled with its membership in BRICS, these steps could fortify the UAE's global trade and logistics standing.

A testament to this potential is the thriving UAE-India bilateral trade, projected to reach
US$100 billion by 2030 . Trade between the and Brazil also increased by a whopping
32%
between 2021 and 2022.

BRICS nations boast robust economies that account for a significant portion of the global GDP. China, in particular, has emerged as the UAE's largest non-oil trading partner, and bilateral relations remain strong. Technological cooperation is flourishing, ranging from Covid-19 vaccine research and production to collaboration on space missions like the
UAE's Rashid lunar rover .

By aligning with the BRICS economies, the can diversify its trade relationships, tap into new markets, and extend its economic reach while maintaining its traditional European and North American connections. This diversification is pivotal for achieving the UAE's goal of doubling its gross domestic product by 2030, reducing oil dependency, and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Through engagement with the BRICS, the stands to attract talent and investment. Indian information-technology (IT) companies already leverage the as a hub to tap into nearby regional markets.

Education partnerships with Brazilian universities can also contribute to the UAE's innovation landscape. In 2022, Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala invested in
two medical universities
in Brazil with around 2,000 students.

High-profile events like an annual UAE-BRICS tech summit could stimulate professional networking. Similarly, a UAE-BRICS startup accelerator would amplify the UAE's attractiveness as a hub for innovation, investment, and talent acquisition.

At a time when global confrontation is on the rise, Abu Dhabi sees long-term investment in cooperation as the best way forward. The UAE's foreign policy aims to strengthen relations with variactors, including the US, China, India, Russia and the European Union.

This aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader initiatives, fostering relations from the Global North to the Global South. As the gears up to host the COP28 climate-change summit, its perspectives could enrich BRICS deliberations on critical matters such as sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, and regional stability.

The does not see its accession to the BRICS as joining a bloc. On the contrary, it sees it as diversifying its partnerships and markets while preserving its traditional relations with the rest of the world.

This was made clear by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
when he said :“The has consistently championed the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, security, and development globally.”

BRICS membership empowers the to bolster its multi-alignment strategy by fostering its diplomatic ties with thethrough initiatives like I2U2 (Israel, India, and US) and with China through the BRICS group.

The intricate challenges confronting our world necessitate collaborative efforts that transcend individual superpowers. The ability of middle powers to bridge cultural gaps, foster economic ties, and uphold global values makes them indispensable players in international governance.

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