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Press Release

UAE participates in Arab Economic and Social Council’s
preparatory meeting for the development summit in Baghdad

Meeting highlights key initiatives led by the UAE for creating hope, building a
better future for Arabs as well as empowering Arab youth

Abu Dhabi, 13 May 2025:

The UAE participated in the Arab Economic and Social Council ministerial meeting held in
Baghdad. The session served as the preparatory meeting for the 5th Arab Economic and Social
Development Summit, which coincides with the 34th regular session of the Council of the Arab
League on 17 May.

The UAE delegation was led by His Excellency Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the
Ministry of Economy, on behalf of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. The
delegation included H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International
Trade Affairs at the Ministry, in addition to other officials.

H.E. Al Saleh emphasised that supporting joint Arab action remains at the core of the UAE’s
development strategy, guided by the vision of its wise leadership. In addition, the country is
committed to playing an active role in creating a prosperous future for Arab societies by embracing
innovative solutions and driving comprehensive, sustainable development, particularly in future
sectors.

The meeting highlighted key UAE-led initiatives that have been implemented across the Arab
world and have contributed to creating hope, building a better future for Arabs as well as preparing
and empowering Arab youth. Foremost among these initiatives are the “Arab Hope Makers”
initiative for advancing humanitarian work; the “Arab Reading Challenge” to promote a culture of
reading; the “Knowledge Award” to support research and innovation; the “Digital School” as a
leading model for sustainable learning; the “Ideal Arab Mother and Family Award” to honour
family contributions; the “Arab Social Media Award”; the “Arab Youth Centre” and the “Great
Arab Minds” initiative, the region’s largest initiative for identifying and empowering exceptional
talent.

The meeting also discussed a range of vital economic, social and developmental initiatives,
including the latest developments related to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and the
completion of requirements for establishing the Arab Customs Union. These efforts aim to