{"id":542292,"date":"2025-11-01T15:40:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T15:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/542292\/"},"modified":"2025-11-01T15:40:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T15:40:11","slug":"eu-hails-uae-as-reliable-partner-in-driving-trade-and-global-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/542292\/","title":{"rendered":"EU hails UAE as ‘reliable partner’ in driving trade and global security"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ties<\/a> between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates are “not only strong, they are strategic,” the president of the European Council stated in remarks to The National, praising Abu Dhabi for its pivotal role in fostering trade with the bloc and contributing to global security. <\/p>\n

“The UAE is an important and reliable partner for the EU in trade, in security and in global stability,” Antonio Costa said after his first official visit to the country and meeting<\/a> with President Sheikh Mohammed this week. <\/p>\n

The meeting at Qasr Al Shati on Tuesday touched upon the landmark trade agreement that was launched between the UAE and the EU in April, with both leaders stressing the importance of the continuing negotiations over its implementation. <\/p>\n

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would facilitate business between the UAE and the world’s largest economic bloc. “The fact that we are negotiating a FTA and discussing a Strategic Partnership Agreement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to deepen our co-operation,” Mr Costa said. <\/p>\n

In recent years, the UAE has struck a series of comprehensive economic partnership agreements with countries, aimed at boosting trade. A deal with the EU would be the largest since the UAE signed a Cepa with India in February 2022. It can take between three to five years to implement such an agreement but the UAE has expressed hope to conclude negotiations within a year. <\/p>\n

Three rounds of negotiations have already taken place and a next round is scheduled for next month, Mr Costa added. <\/p>\n

The agreements would facilitate and deepen existing trade between the bloc and the UAE, as well as create new commercial opportunities. The EU is the UAE\u2019s second-largest global trade partner, sharing $67.6 billion in non-oil trade in 2024.<\/p>\n

The areas that are expected to benefit the most once the agreements are implemented are artificial intelligence<\/a>, security co-operation, research and education, and renewable energy. <\/p>\n

“Trade negotiations with the UAE are advancing well, reflecting our strong bilateral relationship,” he stated.<\/p>\n

Mr Costa said the agreements would allow both sides to “leverage their respective strengths: the UAE as a dynamic hub in the Gulf and the EU as a single powerful single market and technology leader”.<\/p>\n

Beyond the benefits of expanding trade, Mr Costa said it was crucial to “weave a global network of co-operation across regions” particularly in such a “multipolar world that faces increasing fragmentation and uncertainty”.<\/p>\n

The UAE started bilateral engagement with Brussels after EU-Gulf Co-operation Council talks, which started in 1990, were formally suspended in 2008. The European Council head said the bloc was still seeking to expand its partnership with the GCC as a “reliable partner in today’s shifting geopolitical environment”.<\/p>\n

As the EU seeks to strengthen its partnerships across the Gulf, regional conflicts continue to dominate the bulk of discussions, particularly in Gaza, where the war has heightened tensions and underscored the urgent need for co-ordinated international diplomacy.<\/p>\n

Multipolar world<\/b><\/p>\n

The war in Gaza has sparked bursts of conflict across the region between Israel and Iran \u2013 as well as its proxies. The targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels sent global shock waves. <\/p>\n

The EU launched Operation Aspides<\/a> \u2013 named after the Greek word for \u201cshield\u201d \u2013 in February last year in response to the attacks. “The fact that Houthis continue to conduct attacks is a symptom of broader regional instability and weak governance,” Mr Costa said, stating that it should be part of a “broader strategy” that includes sanctions, regional diplomacy and efforts on the ground. <\/p>\n

Mr Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen<\/a> hosted Egypt\u2019s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Brussels for the first EU-Egypt summit<\/a> about two weeks ago. He recognised the instrumental role Cairo has played in conflict mediation, most recently seen in Gaza and now Lebanon<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The EU and Egypt signed a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March 2024<\/a>, designed to boost Egypt’s economy and prevent illegal migration to Europe. “We have an economic and trade relation that has been growing impressively and that we want to see grow even further,” he said. <\/p>\n

A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect in Gaza last month, ending two years of Israel’s devastating war. The deal, although still shaky, was reached after months of mediation by the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. “I also want to commend the UAE’s crucial role in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza,” Mr Costa said. <\/p>\n

Throughout the war, the UAE has been at the forefront of aid deliveries to the hunger-stricken enclave, sending supplies through land, air and water. It has also evacuated patients for medical treatment in the country.<\/p>\n

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic and humanitarian aid needs to be delivered unimpeded,” Mr Costa stated. Aid has been trickling in since the truce, but Israel maintains restrictions, and not all border crossings have been reopened. <\/p>\n

“The EU is supporting continuing efforts towards peace and is ready to support reconstruction, recovery and governance in Gaza,” he said. <\/p>\n

The EU is the top financial supporter of the Palestinian Authority<\/a> and has historically been the largest humanitarian aid donor to Gaza.<\/p>\n

The EU’s unanimous decision-making process has often hampered foreign policy decisions, such as criticism of Israel, and while the US and Middle Eastern powers have been leading the way with the peace process in Gaza, Mr Costa believes the EU should play a role. <\/p>\n

Future governing of Gaza should be operated by a group of technocratic Palestinians, according to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan. It would work under the supervision of an international body named the \u201cboard of peace”.<\/p>\n

While Hamas has released all living hostages, the deal requires the return of all deceased ones, too, but the group has said it is facing difficulties in retrieving them from areas that suffered heavy Israeli bombardment. The second phase \u2013 which deals with Hamas’s disarmament and future governance \u2013 is set to be the most difficult stage.<\/p>\n

“The EU is supporting the US efforts for peace in the Middle East and we have a lot of expertise to bring to the table,” Mr Costa said, adding that the bloc “should be part of the Board of Peace”.<\/p>\n

While Mr Trump has backed Israel\u2019s military campaign while also pushing to emerge as a peace broker, Brussels has sought to balance that stance with calls for restrained and a renewed push for a two-state solution. <\/p>\n

“The EU is fully committed to a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two-state solution,” Mr Costa said while welcoming Mr Trump’s peace plan.<\/p>\n

A similar dynamic has played out in Ukraine, where Europe\u2019s heavy dependence on US military and strategic leadership has highlighted its vulnerability. Mr Trump has boasted about his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which shows no signs of stopping three years on. <\/p>\n

The US president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska in August and a second meeting that was expected to take place in Hungary was cancelled this week. “What we are seeing is that despite President Trump’s efforts, President Putin is not willing to engage in peace negotiations,” Mr Costa said, pledging continuous political and financial support for Ukraine. <\/p>\n

The biog<\/p>\n

Name: James Mullan<\/p>\n

Nationality: Irish<\/p>\n

Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)<\/p>\n

Favourite book or author: \u201cThat\u2019s a really difficult question. I\u2019m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I\u2019d recommend that, go and have a read of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dream: \u201cIt would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.\u201d<\/p>\n

The specs<\/p>\n

Engine:<\/strong> 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo<\/p>\n

Power: <\/strong>180hp at 5,500rpm<\/p>\n

Torque:<\/strong> 250Nm at 3,00rpm<\/p>\n

Transmission:<\/strong> 5-speed sequential auto<\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> From Dh139,995<\/p>\n

On sale:<\/strong> now<\/p>\n

The Gentlemen<\/p>\n

Director: Guy Ritchie<\/p>\n

Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant\u00a0<\/p>\n

Three out of five stars<\/p>\n

RESULTS<\/p>\n

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m<\/strong>
Winner: Shafaf, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m<\/strong>
Winner: Noof KB, Tadhg O\u2019Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President\u2019s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m<\/strong>
Winner: Taamol, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
6.30pm: The President\u2019s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m<\/strong>
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O\u2019Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m<\/strong>
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m<\/strong>
Winner: AF Mekhbat, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel<\/p>\n

FFP EXPLAINED<\/p>\n

What is Financial Fair Play?<\/strong>
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football\u2019s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.<\/p>\n

What the rules dictate?\u00a0<\/strong>
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to \u20ac30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from \u201crelated parties\u201d to those owners is assessed by Uefa’s \u201cfinancial control body\u201d to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.<\/p>\n

What are the penalties?\u00a0<\/strong>
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition \u2013 as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG\u2019s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.<\/p>\n

Moon Music<\/p>\n

Artist:<\/strong> Coldplay<\/p>\n

Label:<\/strong> Parlophone\/Atlantic<\/p>\n

Number of tracks: <\/strong>10<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> 3\/5<\/p>\n

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Info<\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> 11th edition of the Mubadala\u00a0World Tennis Championship<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> December 27-29, 2018<\/p>\n

Confirmed:<\/strong> men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams<\/p>\n

Tickets:<\/strong> www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823<\/p>\n

Lexus LX700h specs<\/p>\n

Engine: <\/strong>3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor<\/p>\n

Power: <\/strong>464hp at 5,200rpm<\/p>\n

Torque: <\/strong>790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm<\/p>\n

Transmission: <\/strong>10-speed auto<\/p>\n

Fuel consumption:<\/strong> 11.7L\/100km<\/p>\n

On sale: <\/strong>Now<\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> From Dh590,000<\/p>\n

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index<\/p>\n

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index<\/p>\n

Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company\u2019s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index – which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity –\u00a0included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.<\/p>\n

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population\u00a0and a low growth \/ low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAverage\u00a0life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,\u201d Mr Abukhater told the\u00a0Mena Pensions Conference.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years \u2013 so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer\u2019s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said\u00a0the country’s index could be\u00a0raised by improving\u00a0the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing\u00a0the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.<\/p>\n

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years\u00a0will put the system under strain.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can\u00a0supplement their own future with the help of government support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Company%20profile<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WallyGPT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaeid%20and%20Sami%20Hejazi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%247.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%20round%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Tamkeen’s offering<\/p>\n