UAE Showcases Global Leadership at APEC 2025 in South Korea
Gyeongju, South Korea: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making a strong mark at the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025, hosted in the historic city of Gyeongju, under the theme āBuilding a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.ā
Participating as a Guest of Honor at the invitation of President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea, the UAE joins world leaders and top economies from across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen global cooperation, promote trade, and shape a sustainable economic future.
This yearās APEC Summit focuses on driving sustainable development, innovation, and economic inclusivity, with the UAE contributing its expertise in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital transformationākey areas of its national development strategy.
Promoting Global Partnerships and Sustainable Growth
The UAEās presence at APEC 2025 reinforces its growing influence among global economic powers. As one of the fastest-growing and most connected economies, the UAE continues to play an active role in strengthening international trade partnerships, driving innovation, and supporting collective efforts for global prosperity.
By participating in strategic forums like APEC, G20, and BRICS, the UAE highlights its long-standing commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable growth. The nationās forward-looking policies and inclusive approach reflect its evolving role as a key bridge between East and Westāfacilitating trade, investment, and innovation across regions.
Alignment with the āBuilding a Sustainable Tomorrowā Theme
The UAEās participation strongly aligns with the summitās focus on sustainability and innovation. The country has made significant strides toward its clean energy and climate goals, becoming a global hub for green initiatives and technology-led transformation.
Through its UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, the nation aims to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, marking a bold step toward building a carbon-neutral economy. These efforts complement APECās goals of accelerating sustainable innovation and ensuring long-term economic resilience across the Asia-Pacific.
The summit also opens doors for deeper collaboration in advanced technology, digitalization, and climate innovationāfields where the UAE has demonstrated leadership through initiatives that combine technology, sustainability, and economic progress.
Vision: āWe the UAE 2031ā
The UAEās participation in APEC 2025 is guided by the āWe the UAE 2031ā vision, which seeks to position the country among the worldās top economies by the next decade. This vision focuses on innovation, international partnerships, and sustainable development as the cornerstones of national progress.
The UAEās track record of global engagementāthrough climate action, technological innovation, and investment in human capitalādemonstrates how strategic foresight and collaboration can drive long-term prosperity.
Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
The UAE stands out globally for its early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart governance. According to the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights, the UAE ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region, reflecting its excellence in government efficiency, technological infrastructure, and data management.
This leadership in AI and digital transformation supports the summitās broader goal of building connected and innovative economies capable of addressing global challenges through future-ready solutions.
Driving Trade and Economic Growth
The UAE brings to APEC a proven record of trade-driven success. Over the past five decades, the nationās economy has grown twentyfold, powered by open trade policies and global partnerships.
In January 2023, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the UAE launched the TradeTech Initiativeāa pioneering effort to digitize global supply chains, modernize customs procedures, and empower developing economies through technology-driven trade solutions.
Such initiatives underline the UAEās dedication to shaping a fair, transparent, and digitally integrated global trading systemāvalues that resonate strongly with APECās mission.
About APEC
Founded in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum brings together 21 member economiesāincluding the United States, Japan, Australia, China, Indonesia, and South Koreaārepresenting nearly 60% of global GDP. The platform promotes free trade, economic cooperation, and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
The UAEās invitation as Guest of Honor to APEC 2025 highlights the nationās growing diplomatic and economic stature and its commitment to shaping a connected, innovative, and sustainable global economy.
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