# His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Meets with Foreign Trade Team
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with the **Foreign Trade team at the Ministry of Economy** and the **Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) negotiation team**. This meeting recognized their exceptional performance in driving the UAE’s foreign trade to a historic level in **2024**, with total trade reaching **AED 5.23 trillion** and a trade surplus exceeding **AED 490 billion**, underscoring the strength and resilience of the national economy.
## Key Attendees
The meeting, held at Union House in Dubai, was attended by:
– **H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Crown Prince of Dubai
– **H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
– **Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi**, Minister of State for Foreign Trade
## Emphasis on Trade
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that trade has been a foundation of great civilizations and is a key pillar of sustainable economic growth. He stated that the UAE’s success in this vital sector is attributed to:
– A forward-looking vision
– Robust partnerships
– Flexible policies
– The dedication of trade teams seeing geography as a starting point for ambition rather than a boundary.
Sheikh Mohammed commended the strong coordination among the entities leading the UAE’s foreign trade efforts and encouraged continued innovation to maintain the country’s position on the global trade map.
## UAE’s Role in Global Trade
Sheikh Mohammed expressed that the UAE is actively shaping the future of global trade. Acting as a strategic bridge between East and West, the nation continues to earn the **trust and respect of the international community**. He acknowledged the contributions of all involved in the growth of the UAE’s trade ecosystem, celebrating their role in the nation’s commitment to global economic leadership.
## Meeting Highlights
The gathering included:
– **Lieutenant General H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Deputy Chairman of Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai
– **H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum**, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
– **H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee
– **H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Discussions focused on **sustainable development**, **economic progress**, and the **private sector’s** role in driving growth and innovation.
## Economic Partnerships
The UAE has signed **21 CEPAs**, enhancing access to global markets in **Asia, Africa, and Latin America**, representing about **25% of the world’s population**. These agreements are pivotal to the UAE’s **’Projects of the 50’**, significantly boosting non-oil trade. Currently, the UAE accounts for **41.4% of total goods exports** in the Middle East, ranking **11th globally** in goods exports and **13th in services exports**.
## Integration of AI in Education
On the sidelines, **Sarah Al Amiri**, Minister of Education, delivered a lecture on integrating **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** into the public school curriculum across the UAE. She emphasized the importance of equipping future generations with skills to master technology that will profoundly impact various aspects of life, extending to societal influences beyond work and production.
