Post by : Maya Rahman

On October 22–23, 2025, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the third “Retreat of Resolve” organized by the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council at its Abu Dhabi headquarters. This significant two-day event gathered high-ranking officials from both countries to deliberate on major strategic initiatives and future collaboration in shared interests, signifying another step forward in the UAE-Saudi relationship.

Attendees included Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the Executive Committee on the UAE side; Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Rakan Tarabzoni, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs from Saudi Arabia. The presence of senior officials from both nations illustrated the strong coordination between their leaderships.

In his opening address, Sheikh Shakhboot expressed gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their wise leadership. He also acknowledged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his unwavering support, emphasizing that robust cooperation forms the bedrock for regional stability and prosperity.

According to Sheikh Shakhboot, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council has emerged as a premier model for Arab collaboration since its inception in 2016. The Council is dedicated to economic integration through innovative solutions and efficient resource utilization. Key focus areas include education, technology, and research, which aim to equip future generations to lead the region’s progress.

He further elaborated that the UAE-Saudi relationship transcends mere agreements; it embodies a profound brotherly bond aimed at a shared vision for a stable and prosperous future. Continued teamwork between both nations’ institutions is paramount to achieving the Council's objectives.

Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, representing the Executive Committee Secretaries, highlighted that the third “Retreat of Resolve” underscores the depth of UAE-Saudi collaboration, fostering discussions about accomplishments and future projects. He stressed that mutual respect and cooperation are essential for their ongoing success.

Rakan bin Waddah Tarabzoni emphasized the retreat's reaffirmation of both nations' commitment to ambitious endeavors, stating that their partnership represents a shared destiny and purpose. He pointed out that together, the nations can achieve limitless outcomes.

During the retreat, Hesham Amiri, Executive Director for Service Development at the UAE Prime Minister's Office, presented the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, showcasing simplified processes and enhanced governmental services that could be beneficial for their joint ventures.

A subsequent session reviewed governance frameworks of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, discussing enhanced decision-making efficiencies with presentations by Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi and Razan bint Abdulraouf Naji. This was accompanied by thematic discussions on key areas including energy, finance, and human development.

Since its establishment in May 2016, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council remains a significant model of regional partnership, demonstrating a shared vision for a thriving future through collaboration and innovation. The Council’s initiatives reflect how these two leading Arab nations are working together not only for their citizens but also for the broader region.

The conclusion of the third “Retreat of Resolve” emphasized both nations’ commitment to transforming shared visions into real accomplishments, underscoring that their cooperation spans all sectors vital for economic growth, innovation, and human well-being. It ended on a positive note, focused on continued unity and progress.

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