Third Saudi-Emirati Retreat Convened in Abu Dhabi

Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the third “Retreat of Resolve” of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council took place on October 22–23, 2025, at its Abu Dhabi headquarters. This two-day event brought together high-ranking officials from both nations to deliberate on significant strategic initiatives and future collaborations in shared interests. This meeting underscored the evolving partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Notable attendees included Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Executive Committee Chair for the Council representing the UAE; Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Rakan Tarabzoni, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Their presence highlighted the close collaboration between both countries' leaderships.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan commenced with remarks expressing gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their visionary guidance. Additionally, he acknowledged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his unwavering support. He emphasized that robust UAE-Saudi cooperation is vital for regional stability and prosperity.

Highlighting the achievements of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council since its 2016 inception, Sheikh Shakhboot pointed to its role in fostering economic integration and innovation. He stressed the significance of focusing on areas such as education and technology, equipping future generations to lead regional growth effectively.

Moreover, he remarked that the UAE-Saudi relationship transcends agreements; it embodies a deep brotherly bond steering a shared vision for a secure future. He urged sustained collaboration among officials and institutions to realize the Council’s aspirations for Gulf and Arab cooperation.

As a representative of the Executive Committee Secretaries, Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi mentioned that this retreat illustrates the profound UAE-Saudi alliance. He conveyed that the retreat is a platform for assessing achievements and exploring new collaborative ventures, stressing that mutual respect and cooperation are cornerstones of their progress.

Rakan bin Waddah Tarabzoni from the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning also provided insights, indicating that the meeting signifies both nations’ commitment to their ambitious agenda. He emphasized that the partnership is not merely institutional but a shared destiny. When both nations align their vision, there are no limits to what they can accomplish together.

Part of the retreat’s agenda included a presentation from Hesham Amiri, Executive Director for Service Development at the UAE Prime Minister's Office, on the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. He shared successful practices that streamlined governmental procedures, which may benefit the collaborative ventures ahead.

A separate session addressed governance within the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, delivered by Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi and Razan bint Abdulraouf Naji. This conversation revolved around enhancing decision-making processes and operational efficiency via governance frameworks, leading into discussions covering energy, finance, infrastructure, and human development.

Since its establishment in May 2016, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council has exemplified regional partnership, reflecting the shared ambitions of both countries' leadership to cultivate a prosperous future through cooperation and innovation. Its ongoing activities illustrate how these two leading Arab nations are combining forces to foster regional progress.

Ultimately, the third “Retreat of Resolve” has reaffirmed the dedication of both nations to transform their shared visions into tangible outcomes. It has illustrated that UAE-Saudi cooperation spans beyond government deliberations, extending into sectors that drive economic growth and development. The event wrapped up with a collective commitment to building a united, knowledgeable future shared with purpose.