Saudi Arabia’s non-oil trade with the UAE reached AED91 billion (US$25 billion) in H1 2025, reflecting strong economic ties
On September 23, 2025, Saudi Arabia will mark its 95th National Day. The United Arab Emirates will formally join the celebrations, underscoring a long-standing bilateral relationship built on political alignment, economic cooperation, and cultural ties. The occasion reflects both countries’ efforts to maintain regional stability, advance joint development, and coordinate on long-term strategic goals.
UAE joins Saudi National Day
The UAE’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day serves as a public signal of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. The celebration falls on Tuesday, September 23, and commemorates the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. A public holiday has been declared across Saudi Arabia for both public and private sectors. Government offices, banks, and schools will remain closed for the day. This year’s theme is “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and natural environment. Celebrations across major cities will include traditional folk performances, concerts, fireworks, drone shows, military flyovers, and illuminated landmarks. Restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets will offer themed promotions and discounts. National Day was first officially celebrated in 1965 during the reign of King Faisal. It was established as a permanent holiday in 2005 by royal decree under King Abdullah. Over the years, the day has evolved into a national moment that reflects Saudi Arabia’s historical legacy and its development agenda under Vision 2030. The UAE’s recognition of the day reflects the broader strategic relationship between the two nations, both of which maintain a united stance on several Arab, regional, and international issues. That alignment is rooted in shared policies, common security interests, and economic cooperation.
Political alignment on display at Saudi National Day
The bilateral relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is longstanding and rooted in coordinated regional goals. It began with the diplomatic efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was further developed under Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and continues under the current leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The relationship is defined by consistent cooperation on regional security, joint Arab initiatives, and diplomatic alignment in multilateral forums. It also represents a wider vision of Gulf unity and shared strategic interest in regional stability and economic diversification. In 2016, both countries formalized their coordination with the establishment of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council. The council was created to enhance bilateral ties, improve governance collaboration, and build an integrated economic and development framework.
Economic relationship: Trade, investment, and sector diversification
Economic ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have expanded steadily. Preliminary 2025 figures show that non-oil foreign trade between the two countries reached AED91 billion (US$25 billion) in the first half of the year. This follows a total trade volume of over AED151.5 billion (US$41.2 billion) in 2024. The economic relationship supports broader development plans in both countries. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 continues to drive investment in infrastructure, technology, tourism, and services. The International Monetary Fund recently raised its economic growth forecast for Saudi Arabia to 3.6% for 2025, citing a recovery in oil production and non-oil sector growth of over 3.4%. Tourism has been identified by both countries as a promising sector for joint investment. Cross-border initiatives in hospitality and events contribute to the diversification of their economies and create opportunities for broader trade and commercial exchange.
Cultural and educational connections
Cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflect a long history of exchange and social overlap. In earlier decades, Emirati students commonly attended schools in Mecca, Al Ahsa, and Riyadh. Today, educational exchange continues in both directions, with Saudi students enrolling in institutions across the UAE. Beyond education, cultural cooperation includes joint agreements, institutional partnerships, and shared participation in arts, literature, and heritage initiatives. These exchanges reflect the historical, geographical, and social ties between the two countries, and support wider regional efforts in cultural preservation and public diplomacy. Go to Source
