Economic ties between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are reaching new heights following recent discussions aimed at boosting investment cooperation between the two nations. On February 22, 2025, Fathi Jaghbir, Chairman of the Amman Chamber of Industry, met with the Chairmen of the Jordanian Business Council in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ahmad Hindawi and Mohammad Maaitah, respectively, to explore ways to deepen trade exchange.
During the meeting, Jaghbir emphasized what he described as Jordan's "stimulating" investment environment, stating, "Jordan's industry chambers are... seeking to serve Jordanian expatriates and other investors" (reported by Petra). This sentiment was echoed by Hindawi, who added, "Jordanian businesspeople are ready to contribute to economic development..." which hints at the productive potential of Jordanian nationals working abroad to contribute their expertise back home.
The participants also discussed the organization of a Jordanian-Emirati investment conference, scheduled for April in Dubai, which aims to unify efforts by investors from both sides and introduce expansive opportunities for joint industrial integration. Such initiatives highlight the commitment of both nations to bolster their economic relationships.
Further showcasing the strengthening bilateral ties, another landmark development emerged when Milrem Robotics, alongside EM&E Group and Thales, inked a Memorandum of Understanding the same week to collaborate on advanced robotics for defense. This agreement is centered on integrating EM&E Group's SECUTOR Remote Weapon Station with Thales's 70mm rocket systems, aiming to retrofit Milrem's THeMIS modular unmanned ground vehicle.
Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, pointed out the importance of this partnership, stating, “Through this partnership, we aim to drive innovation, strengthen regional security...,” underscoring the growing necessity for enhancing defense capabilities within the region.
The operational enhancements anticipated from this integration are expected to offer the UAE new tools particularly relevant for countering drone threats, which have emerged as significant security challenges. The system will be highlighted at IDEX 2025, being held from February 17-21, 2025, where it will capture the attention of defense stakeholders and governments.
Alain Quevrin, CEO of Thales, expressed excitement about the partnership's potential, stating, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing security and technological excellence...,” which reiterates the alignment with the UAE's aspirations for leading innovations within defense technology.
With this strategic MoU, Javier Escribano, President of EM&E Group, added, “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to respond to the needs of the ever-changing Defence sector...,” emphasizing how the collaboration is timely and necessary against the backdrop of rapidly changing global security dynamics.
Both the discussions between Jordan and UAE representatives as well as the technological advancements showcased underline the broader narrative of regional cooperation and the exchange of expertise aimed at fostering mutual economic growth and security. Jordan's industrial sector, recognized for its "distinguished" capabilities, is ready to seize every opportunity, solidifying partnerships such as those with the UAE to not only bolster its economic footprint but also support its workforce.
Overall, the recent meetings and agreements signify the fruitful convergence of business and innovation between the UAE and Jordan, which could herald new ventures rooted deeply within both countries' economic frameworks.