UAE and Saudi Arabia Convene for the Third 'Retreat of Resolve' in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Mara Rahim

On October 22–23, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates hosted the third edition of the 'Retreat of Resolve', organized by the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council at its Abu Dhabi headquarters. The two-day meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to deliberate on key strategic initiatives and collaborative opportunities in various fields. This gathering signifies an important step in the expanding partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Among the attendees were Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the Executive Committee of the Council; Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Rakan Tarabzoni, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning. A host of other senior officials also participated, underscoring the close alignment between the leaderships of both nations.

In his opening address, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan extended deep gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their visionary leadership. He also acknowledged Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia for his unwavering support in guiding the Coordination Council. Sheikh Shakhboot stressed that the strong cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is essential for ensuring regional stability, peace, and prosperity.

He highlighted that the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council has set a benchmark for Arab partnerships since its inception in 2016. The Council focuses on fostering economic integration through collaborative solutions that optimize resource use, stimulate innovation, and develop robust systems for the future. Key sectors mentioned included education, scientific research, technology, and innovation, integral for preparing future leaders to navigate the region's development.

The Minister of State also pointed out that the relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia transcends mere agreements; it symbolizes a deep-rooted bond, motivated by a unified vision for a secure and flourishing future. He encouraged ongoing collaboration among officials and institutions from both nations to achieve the Council's aim of establishing a cohesive model for Gulf and Arab cooperation.

Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, representing the Executive Committee Secretaries, remarked that the 'Retreat of Resolve' mirrors the profound nature of the UAE-Saudi partnership. This retreat was viewed as an opportunity to assess prior accomplishments, enhance ongoing projects, and uncover new avenues for collaboration, emphasizing that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of their shared success.

Talking on behalf of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Rakan bin Waddah Tarabzoni reiterated the commitment of both nations to persevere in their ambitious objectives. He characterized the partnership between the Kingdom and the UAE as not merely institutional but as a destined collaboration anchored in shared aspirations. He stated that united vision and determination enable both countries to achieve remarkable outcomes together.

As part of the retreat’s agenda, Hesham Amiri, Executive Director for Service Development at the UAE Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, sharing its successful practices that streamline processes and enhance government service delivery—insights that could be beneficial for their joint projects.

Another significant session delved into the governance of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, presented by Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi and Razan bint Abdulraouf Naji, focusing on how governance frameworks can elevate decision-making and operational efficiency. Subsequent themed sessions explored critical areas such as energy, industry, finance, investment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, supply-chain security, and human development.

Since its establishment in May 2016, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council has emerged as a distinctive model of collaboration at the regional level, reflecting the aligned vision of both leaderships aimed at fostering a prosperous future through cooperation, innovation, and common objectives. The activities of the Council illustrate how two prominent Arab nations are synergizing efforts to enhance progress not merely for their citizens but for the broader region.

The third 'Retreat of Resolve' underscored the ongoing commitment of both nations to transform shared visions into tangible outcomes. It reinforced the notion that cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia transcends government discussions, impacting every sector that contributes to economic advancement, technological innovation, and societal development. The retreat concluded on a note of optimism and resolve to continue forging a future rooted in unity, knowledge, and a shared destiny.