The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain have reaffirmed the depth and strength of their longstanding fraternal relationship during the 13th session of the UAE–Bahrain Joint Higher Committee, co-chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Held in Abu Dhabi, the meeting underscored the shared commitment of both nations to advancing strategic cooperation and deepening ties across key sectors.

The annual session reflected the close bonds between the two countries’ leaderships, governments, and peoples. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted that the strong relationship between the UAE and Bahrain is built on trust, continuous consultation, and a shared vision for stability, prosperity, and regional development. He emphasised that Bahrain is not only a strategic partner for the UAE but also a vital pillar of security and progress within the Gulf region and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council framework.

Economic cooperation featured prominently during the discussions. Sheikh Abdullah noted the sustained growth in bilateral trade, with non-oil trade exceeding US$9.3 billion in 2024. Both sides expressed their determination to further expand cooperation in future-oriented sectors such as industry, renewable energy, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies, aligning economic growth with innovation and sustainability.

Beyond trade, the meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic coordination and joint action on regional and international platforms. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Bahrain during its non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2026 and 2027, highlighting the importance of unified Gulf positions in promoting peace, security, and constructive global engagement.

The Joint Higher Committee also serves as a platform for reviewing progress across multiple areas of collaboration, ensuring alignment between national priorities and shared ambitions. The signing of the meeting’s minutes marked a renewed commitment to translating dialogue into practical outcomes that benefit both nations.

Overall, the session reinforced the enduring partnership between the UAE and Bahrain—one grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common goals. As both countries look toward the future, their strengthened cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and innovation reflects a collective aspiration to deliver sustainable prosperity and stability for their peoples and the wider region.