������Ƶ

JEDDAH: Trade and investment relations between the UAE and Cuba are expected to deepen following the inaugural session of the Joint Economic Committee, which convened in Dubai to boost cooperation across multiple sectors, including biotechnology, renewable energy, and tourism.

Organized under the framework of the trade, economic, and technical cooperation agreement signed earlier by both nations, the session marked a significant step forward in advancing bilateral economic engagement.

The committee meeting was co-chaired by Abdullah Ahmed Al-Saleh, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, and Carlos Luis Jorge Mendez, Cuba’s first deputy minister of foreign trade and foreign investment. According to the UAE’s official news agency WAM, discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in agriculture, food security, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, cultural industries, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Non-oil trade between the two countries has been steadily rising. It reached over $39.1 million in 2024—up more than 2 percent from the previous year and 46.4 percent compared to 2022, WAM reported. The agency added that trade during the first quarter of 2025 rose by 5.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024, and by over 25 percent from the fourth quarter of that year. More than 825 Cuban brands are currently operating in the UAE market.

According to WAM,  Al-Saleh said that bilateral ties continue to advance steadily, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres, adding: “This reflects the visionary leadership of both nations in fostering growth and prosperity and in serving their shared interests.”

He continued: “The first session of the Joint Economic Committee between the two countries marks a key milestone in enhancing economic and investment relations in the coming period. It expands areas of cooperation in priority sectors, strengthens engagement between the Emirati and Cuban business communities, and explores promising market opportunities — contributing to the national goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

Attended by the ambassadors of both countries, the session concluded with an agreement to establish a joint framework that will oversee implementation of the committee’s outcomes, ensuring the continuity of economic cooperation and shared growth.

According to WAM, both sides also agreed to coordinate business forums and economic events, exchange trade delegations, and facilitate increased trade and investment flows between Emirati and Cuban companies. The agency added that the two parties proposed organizing joint meetings, seminars, and workshops involving investors, promotion agencies, and financial institutions to attract investment in high-priority sectors.

“They stressed the importance of advancing economic cooperation through new partnerships in entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem, with the aim of accelerating SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) growth, expanding investments, supporting exports to international markets, and increasing their contribution to the national GDPs (gross domestic products) of both countries,” WAM added.

Food security and agriculture were also top priorities, with both sides expressing interest in boosting trade in food commodities and agricultural products. They also committed to working together on sustainable farming, food processing, and agricultural technology.

Tourism was highlighted as another strategic sector for collaboration. Both nations agreed to co-host exhibitions, events, and conferences to showcase their tourist and heritage destinations. They also discussed sharing expertise and data on tourism resources, statistics, and digital innovations.

The committee’s formation follows recent government restructuring in the UAE. Just over two weeks ago, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, announced the creation of a Ministry of Foreign Trade, led by Thani Al-Zeyoudi. The Ministry of Economy was also renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, now headed by Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri.

RIYADH: Five investment contracts worth SR1.5 billion ($400 million) were signed by Al-Ahsa municipality to advance a series of development and service projects across the region.   

The agreements, concluded in the presence of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal and Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, are intended to enhance municipal services and improve quality of life for residents, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  

The deals cover the development of the Jabal Abu Hsais tourist resort, the construction of a vehicle appraisal center, and the establishment of a periodic vehicle inspection facility. They also include the redevelopment of the King Abdullah Cultural Center and the creation of a date processing factory in Al-Ahsa. 

These projects are part of broader efforts to diversify the local economy and attract investment into the governorate, highlighting the strategic importance of the Al-Ahsa region, which spans approximately 379,000 sq. km — about 20 percent of ������Ƶ’s total land area. 

Prince Saud stated that these projects represent a fundamental pillar in the region’s comprehensive development strategy, aligning with the leadership’s aspirations to strengthen sustainability in the implementation of strategic plans and to make optimal use of Al-Ahsa’s cultural and economic resources, according to the SPA report.   

In addition to the investment contracts, Al-Ahsa municipality signed three memoranda of understanding to implement 11 projects focused primarily on establishing parks and urban enhancements under the “Bahja” project and the Saudi Green Initiative.  

The National Housing Co. committed to building eight parks in various locations across Al-Ahsa.   

Retal Urban Development, represented by the chief operating officer Yousef Al-Hamoudi, agreed to develop two parks in Al-Badriya district of Hofuf, while Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, board member at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, pledged to fund a 2,000-sq.-meter park in Al-Asima neighborhood.  

Al-Ahsa Mayor Essam Al-Mulla explained that the agreements form part of the municipality’s objectives to serve the community, deliver projects and initiatives that advance development, and establish integration between public and private sectors in pursuit of sustainable growth consistent with Saudi Vision 2030, according to the SPA report.   

During the signing ceremony, Prince Saud and the minister inaugurated the “Al-Ahsa: Future and Development” exhibition, which showcased municipal services, infrastructure projects, and quality of life initiatives.   

They also handed over residential units to beneficiaries of the developmental housing program in Al-Ahsa.  

Building on these initiatives, Al-Ahsa also witnessed a sharp rise in tourism in 2024, with visitor numbers increasing by 500 percent to reach 3.2 million. As a result, total tourist spending exceeded SR3.3 billion, marking a 400 percent increase compared to 2019. These figures highlight the region’s growing appeal and underscore the impact of continued investment in infrastructure and services.