During the 2026 BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi voiced serious alarm regarding the persistent closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Iranian aggression against commercial vessels. These concerns were echoed by the energy giant Adnoc, which reported that 15 of its ships have been targeted by drones and missiles amid regional tensions. These unprovoked attacks have resulted in tragic loss of life and multiple injuries, prompting the UAE to demand an immediate reopening of the waterway and strict adherence to international laws protecting maritime navigation.

Despite these geopolitical challenges, the UAE continues to prioritize its economic integration with BRICS nations, which now account for nearly a third of the country's non-oil foreign trade. In 2025 alone, trade between the UAE and the bloc surged to $312 billion, highlighting the resilience of these partnerships. While ministers at the summit did not reach a consensus on a formal declaration, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE's commitment to strengthening market connectivity and expanding cooperation in key sectors like logistics and digital commerce, particularly with partners like India, as part of the nation's broader strategy to reach $1.1 trillion in non-oil trade by 2031.