In an attempt to gain some relief for its suffocated economy, the Cuban government has focused on strengthening ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a strategic partner with financial power and international reach.
On July 5th, both countries held the first session of their Joint Economic Committee in Dubai, with an ambitious agenda aimed at opening new doors in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, biotechnology, and food security, reported the economy and business website Zawya.
The meeting brought together high-ranking officials from both governments, including the First Deputy Minister of Cuban Foreign Trade, Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, and his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, in an encounter that marks a "crucial step" in the economic rapprochement strategy between Havana and Abu Dhabi.
During the Committee session, both parties agreed to promote bilateral cooperation through tourist exhibitions, business forums, and a framework to facilitate investment in strategic sectors.
Tourism was identified as one of the key pillars, with an emphasis on the joint promotion of destinations, digital innovation for the sector, and human capital training.
But food security also holds a prominent place on the agenda. Cuba, faced with chronic shortages of basic products, is seeking partnerships to enhance its agricultural production, adopt agrotechnological innovations, and access processed foods.
Biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, which the regime considers "high value-added" sectors, were also mentioned as areas of mutual interest.
The United Arab Emirates is an active partner of the Cuban regime outside of the traditional Caracas-Moscow axis. In November 2023, ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel made his first official visit to that Gulf country, where he met with the Emirati president and participated in COP28.
Later, in February 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero returned to Dubai to attend the World Government Summit and follow up on the agreements made.
Both trips aimed for the same goal: to secure investments in critical areas such as food production, tourism, energy, and health.
Other data supports that non-petroleum trade between Cuba and the Emirates exceeded 39 million dollars in 2024, and only in the first quarter of 2025 it grew by 5.6%, according to official figures. Currently, more than 825 Cuban brands operate in the Emirati market, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening economic ties.
Frequently Asked Questions about Economic Relations between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates
What is the objective of the Joint Economic Committee between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates?
The aim of the Joint Economic Committee is to strengthen economic and commercial ties between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates for mutual benefit in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, biotechnology, and food security. Both nations seek to promote bilateral cooperation and facilitate investment in strategic sectors, with the goal of revitalizing the Cuban economy.
What sectors are priorities in the economic agenda between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates?
The priority sectors in the economic agenda between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates include tourism, biotechnology, agriculture, and food security. Cooperation focuses on promoting tourist destinations, digital innovation in the tourism sector, the adoption of agrotechnological technologies, and access to processed foods, in addition to strengthening the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Why is it important for Cuba to strengthen ties with the United Arab Emirates?
Strengthening ties with the United Arab Emirates is important for Cuba as it seeks an economic respite in the context of an economic crisis, shortages of basic goods, and declines in key sectors such as tourism. The United Arab Emirates, with its financial strength and international presence, represents an opportunity for Cuba to secure investments and enhance its agricultural and technological production.
How have trade relations between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates evolved recently?
Trade relations between Cuba and the United Arab Emirates have shown recent growth, with non-oil trade exceeding 39 million dollars in 2024 and a 5.6 % increase in the first quarter of 2025. Currently, over 825 Cuban brands are operating in the Emirati market, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening economic ties.
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