UAE Crown Prince Leads Delegation at 18th BRICS Summit: Diplomacy and Trade Take Center Stage in New Delhi
New Delhi: In a significant display of multilateral diplomacy, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, led the UAE delegation at the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi from September 12-13, 2026. Representing UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince engaged in high-level talks aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering regional stability amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Key Highlights of UAE’s Participation
The summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked the UAE’s third participation as a full BRICS member since joining the bloc in January 2024. The UAE’s presence underscored its strategic commitment to expanding international economic partnerships and playing a pivotal role in multilateral cooperation among emerging economies.
- De-dollarization Efforts: Discussions emphasized increasing trade in national currencies, with Russia reporting that 90% of its trade with BRICS nations is now conducted in local currencies.
- Regional Stability: The UAE delegation, including BRICS Sherpa Omran Sharaf, highlighted the critical need for de-escalation in the Gulf to protect global supply chains and energy security.
- Bilateral Engagements: Sheikh Khaled held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss defense, space, nuclear energy, and regional peace.
Diplomatic Breakthrough: UAE and Iran Find Common Ground
In a notable diplomatic development, the UAE and Iran—despite recent tensions leading to the suspension of trade and financial dealings in August—agreed to a joint BRICS statement calling for “maximum restraint” in West Asia. This consensus, facilitated by Indian diplomacy, allowed the 11-member grouping to adopt the New Delhi Declaration, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two Gulf neighbors.
“De-escalating tensions in the Gulf is critical to protecting supply chains, trade, and economic security,” stated Omran Sharaf, UAE BRICS Sherpa, emphasizing the bloc’s role as a platform for regional stabilization.
Economic and Strategic Partnerships
During bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, both leaders reaffirmed the significance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in strategic and emerging sectors, including defense, technology, innovation, and nuclear energy. This follows recent high-profile visits between the two nations earlier in 2026. thehindu
The UAE continues to leverage its BRICS membership to strengthen East-West links, positioning itself as a key logistics and trade hub. The country’s participation in the New Development Bank since 2021 further solidifies its commitment to alternative financial mechanisms and sustainable development projects. thenationalnews
Looking Ahead
As the BRICS bloc evolves, the UAE’s active engagement reflects its broader foreign policy strategy of diversifying alliances and fostering economic resilience. With a focus on trade security, energy flows, and diplomatic mediation, the UAE aims to cement its status as a pivotal player in the Global South’s economic architecture.
For more updates on BRICS and UAE international relations, stay tuned to our coverage.
