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, focusing their conversations on strengthening bilateral relations, fostering economic collaboration, and addressing ongoing developments throughout the Middle East. During this session, the two leaders explored various avenues to further cement their countries’ partnership, while also deliberating on regional security, stability, and the pursuit of durable peace initiatives. The gathering took place as part of King Abdullah’s official visit to the UAE.
Economic cooperation was a key element of the discussions, with Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah examining joint efforts in trade, investment, and development under the framework of the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This accord provides both nations with an expanded platform for commercial and investment relations, encompassing broader areas aligned with their development priorities. The leaders also reviewed other facets of collaboration supporting their respective national growth strategies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong political ties and ongoing dialogue on economic and regional issues.
Representing Jordan at the meeting were Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, while senior officials from the UAE, including 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, participated actively. Their combined presence underscored the significance of the high-level discussions, covering political, economic, and foreign policy concerns pertinent to both countries.
Trade Agreement Serves as Pillar for Economic Collaboration
On October 6, 2024, the UAE and Jordan signed their comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which officially came into effect on May 15, 2025, marking the UAE’s inaugural full-scale economic accord with an Arab nation. The agreement encompasses more than 98% of tariff lines and establishes regulatory standards for goods and services, while also addressing aspects such as investment, customs, digital trade, and support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The framework ensures preferential treatment for qualifying goods that comply with designated rules of origin and technical standards, with over 99.5% of UAE’s exports to Jordan falling under its scope of liberalized trade. Furthermore, the pact incorporates provisions to bolster customs cooperation and facilitate investment activities through the creation of committees and official contact points to monitor and implement its provisions. Both governments have highlighted the agreement as a crucial foundation for expanding their economic cooperation and deepening bilateral ties.
Regional Dynamics Take Center Stage in Leaders’ Dialogue
The conversation between Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah also addressed regional developments, with both exchanging perspectives on the evolving situation across the Middle East. They underscored the necessity of continued collaboration between the UAE and Jordan on security and stability issues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at establishing long-lasting peace in the region. Their dialogue reflects the ongoing political consultations maintained between Abu Dhabi and Amman regarding significant regional changes.
Following the discussions, King Abdullah concluded his visit to the UAE and departed Abu Dhabi later on Sunday, with Sheikh Mohamed present at his departure alongside senior officials. The overall meeting combined a focus on bilateral economic priorities with strategic discussions on regional security and stability, emphasizing the role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in strengthening UAE-Jordan relations. Both parties utilized this occasion to review existing cooperation, reinforce the importance of direct communication between their leaders, and ensure continued high-level coordination.