dyton mupawaenda
Herald Reporter
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jassim Mohammed Al Qasimi, has encouraged Zimbabwe to capitalise on the existing relationship between the two nations to bolster its economy.
He said the UAE, as a global leader in the transport sector, is eager to engage in business ventures with Zimbabwe, reflecting a broader trend of significant foreign investment in various sectors in response to President Mnangagwa’s investment promotion initiatives.
Ambassador Al Qasimi highlighted the UAE’s emergence as one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners, a development spurred by the interest of several companies in investing within the country.
In a report detailing the UAE’s accomplishments for 2024, the Ambassador attributed the nation’s successes to the visionary leadership and strengthened collaboration among its societal segments.
“This success represents a tremendous opportunity for Zimbabwe and other countries to cooperate with the UAE and benefit from its experiences in achieving ambitious economic growth and sustainability,” he said.
He reiterated the UAE’s openness to further strengthen economic and investment relations, inviting Zimbabwe to explore partnership opportunities for mutual development.
The Ambassador pointed to the UAE’s diversified economy, which has seen remarkable growth, offering a model for Zimbabwe as it aims for upper middle-income status by 2030.
He noted that 2024 has been a landmark year for the UAE, with the registration of 200 000 new companies and foreign trade exceeding 2,8 trillion Dirhams (approximately US$762 billion).
Significant achievements also included Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows reaching 130 billion Dirhams (about US$35,4 billion) and industrial exports valued at 190 billion Dirhams (approximately US$51,7 billion).
In terms of international engagement, the UAE signed over 140 agreements in critical areas such as economy, sustainability, clean energy, technology, and security throughout 2024.
The UAE government also undertook a comprehensive legislative overhaul, updating 80 percent of its economic, social and regulatory frameworks to enhance competitiveness and align with global trends.
The aviation and tourism sectors have also thrived, with UAE airports welcoming 150 million passengers and tourist facilities hosting over 30 million guests, reinforcing the nation’s position as a major hub for tourism and hospitality.
Additionally, the UAE government has initiated more than 750 national projects aimed at sustaining economic development, which includes attracting global talent and fostering entrepreneurship.
As Zimbabwe looks to the future, the Ambassador’s call to action presents a compelling opportunity for the nation to learn from the UAE’s successes and forge a path toward economic growth and sustainability.
