When talking about Belgium, the first images that come to mind are often those of our culinary delights: our chocolate, our Belgian fries, our waffles and our beers. But beyond these delicious clichés, Belgium is a country rich in history, culture, innovation and diversity. All things we share with the United Arab Emirates. Diversity is the cornerstone of our nation, a fundamental element that we cherish, and which is reflected in our national motto: “unity is strength”. This motto embodies our belief that it is by respecting and valuing our differences that we become stronger together. In the same way, the United Arab Emirates promotes the harmony between the various cultures that coexist on its territory, through peaceful coexistence.
Like the United Arab Emirates, Belgium is a Federal state, made up of linguistic Communities (Dutch, French and German) and Regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels-Capital region). This federal structure enables us to preserve and promote the richness of our identities, while working collectively towards prosperity and innovation. In terms of economic policy, competence is shared between the Federal government and the Regions, with our Regions playing a central role in key areas, while the Federal government retains authority over matters such as financial regulations, banking supervision, Foreign Affairs and Defence.
Belgium has always been a country deeply committed to multilateralism, firmly believing that, as our motto underlines, we are stronger together. This belief led Belgium to become a founding member of the European Union, with Paul-Henri Spaak playing a pivotal role. In the early 1940s, while the Belgian government was in exile at the beginning of World War II, Spaak advocated for a Western European alliance to ensure peace and prosperity.
He first worked to strengthen ties with Belgium’s neighbours, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. On 5th September 1944, these three countries signed a customs agreement, giving birth to the Benelux Union (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg). This agreement was the first step towards greater integration and laid the foundations for the European Union. In this context of international cooperation, Brussels naturally emerged as a major diplomatic and political crossroad and the second diplomatic centre in the world, after Washington DC. Today, our capital is home to several international organizations, starting with the European institutions. They make Brussels the beating heart of decision-making for the whole continent, a city where the interests of 450 million of European citizens converge.
In 2023 the bilateral trade between Belgium and the United Arab Emirates amounted to € 7 billion, making the UAE Belgium’s leading trading partner in the Middle East. This figure reflects not only the strength of our trade, but also the mutual trust and opportunities we continue to develop together. We look to the future with optimism, convinced that our partnership, based on common values of cooperation and shared prosperity, will continue to flourish. Cooperation between the UAE and Belgian companies is also a testimony to this remarkable partnership, based on Belgian expertise and know-how in carrying out large-scale projects. These projects include the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai, and the upcoming Sheikh Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District. Belgian companies are also strengthening local partnerships at several levels in the Emirates’ energy transition agenda, fostering development in key areas and looking resolutely towards the future.
Our cooperation with the UAE is broad and diverse, in partnership with the authorities of the seven Emirates that make up the country. A prominent example of this dynamic is the recent Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum, organized in Belgium from 22nd to 26th September and which brought together dignitaries from Sharjah’s government bodies, influential business leaders and women entrepreneurs. This exchange contributed not only to strengthen our already strong economic ties, but emphasized once again our shared commitment in the promotion of women empowerment and gender equality.
In conclusion, the ties between Belgium and the United Arab Emirates are flourishing and constantly developing, as part of an exceptional partnership that extends to almost every field. I would like to express my gratitude to Kreston Menon for this opportunity to highlight the strategic ties that unite our two countries and encourage anyone interested in doing business with Belgium to contact us. Not only is Belgium the heart of Europe, it also offers a strategic gateway to the entire continent. The strengthening of economic, commercial, cultural, technological and academic exchanges between our two nations only amplifies these opportunities, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual growth.