ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic collaboration, and addressing regional developments. Both leaders explored ways to reinforce ties between the UAE and Jordan, while also emphasizing regional security, stability, and the pursuit of sustainable peace. The engagement coincided with King Abdullah’s official visit to the UAE.
Economic cooperation played a vital role in their dialogue. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah reviewed joint efforts in trade, investment, and development as outlined in the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement provides a broader framework for commercial and investment activities, expanding opportunities for both nations. They also examined other areas of collaboration aligned with their respective national development agendas. The UAE and Jordan’s close political relationship is reinforced through regular consultations on economic and regional issues.
Senior officials from Jordan, including Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, participated in the discussions. The UAE was represented by high-ranking officials such as 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. The presence of these officials underscored the importance both countries assign to their political, economic, and diplomatic partnership.
Trade Accord as Pillar of Economic Collaboration
The UAE and Jordan formalized their economic partnership with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on October 6, 2024, which officially came into effect on May 15, 2025. This agreement marks the UAE’s first comprehensive economic pact with an Arab nation and encompasses over 98% of tariff lines, establishing common rules for goods and services. It also encompasses provisions related to investment, customs procedures, digital trade, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Preferential treatment is granted to eligible goods that satisfy the stipulated rules of origin and technical criteria, with over 99.5% of the value of UAE exports to Jordan covered under this liberalized framework. The agreement also introduces mechanisms for customs cooperation and investment promotion, including the creation of committees and designated contact points to monitor implementation. Both governments regard this pact as a fundamental framework to expand economic ties between the two countries.
Regional Security and Political Dialogue
Regional concerns were a key focus during the Abu Dhabi meeting. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah exchanged perspectives on recent developments affecting the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of ongoing coordination between the UAE and Jordan on security and stability issues. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at establishing enduring peace throughout the region. Their discussions reflected the regular political exchanges that occur between Abu Dhabi and Amman concerning regional affairs.
Following the talks, King Abdullah concluded his UAE visit and departed Abu Dhabi later that Sunday. Sheikh Mohamed was present to see him off alongside senior UAE officials. The dialogue combined discussions of bilateral economic priorities with regional security concerns, highlighting the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in the context of UAE-Jordan relations. The visit served as an opportunity for both sides to review ongoing cooperation and sustain direct communication at the leadership and senior official levels.