The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Finance, hosted the inaugural BRICS group event in the country, featuring a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership Working Group within the financial framework of BRICS. This significant gathering took place in Abu Dhabi on May 5 and 6, 2025, and attracted a distinguished assembly of senior government officials, international experts, and representatives from global financial institutions and the private sector.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Finance organized an extensive seminar titled "A New Era of Growth: Rethinking Infrastructure Financing in BRICS Countries," which centered on developing innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects and expanding public-private partnership scopes.
As part of the event, the visiting delegation toured Masdar City, where they examined key public-private partnership projects in the UAE, particularly in energy, sustainability, and transportation. This visit served as a practical demonstration of the UAE's commitment to implementing effective and innovative solutions in financing and executing infrastructure projects.
Attendees included Saada Younis Haji Al-Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Saada Antonio Freitas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance in Brazil for International Affairs; Saada Ambassador Tatiana Rousseau, International Affairs Official in the Brazilian Ministry of Finance; and Saada Sydney Leon Romero, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the UAE.
Saada Younis Haji Al-Khouri emphasized that the UAE's hosting of this high-level meeting and its accompanying seminar reflects the nation's growing role as a steadfast partner in shaping the future of global economic cooperation, particularly concerning the reformation of infrastructure financing systems in collaboration with the private sector. He remarked, "Enhancing partnerships between the public and private sectors is one of the key pillars in the UAE's vision for sustainable growth. We aim to adopt flexible and innovative financing models that enable the execution of vital projects in education, healthcare, clean energy, and transportation. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to achieving a balance between investment returns and social and environmental yields."
Looking ahead, Al-Khouri expressed his aspiration to create a permanent platform for exchanging expertise among BRICS countries and partner nations, and to bolster the private sector's role in leading economic transformation, especially in light of the increasing global challenges requiring broader international coordination and more inclusive, innovative financing strategies.
In her remarks, Saada Ambassador Tatiana Rousseau, on behalf of the Brazilian presidency of BRICS, extended her heartfelt thanks to all participants in the meeting and expressed deep appreciation for the pivotal support and constructive partnership provided by the UAE government. She confidently stated that this gathering would contribute to enhancing cooperation and advancing shared goals in financing high-quality infrastructure projects across the participating countries.
Rousseau noted, "The working group meeting on public-private partnerships and infrastructure holds symbolic significance, reflecting the intent to strengthen cooperation ties among BRICS nations, enhance bilateral and multilateral relations, and explore new areas for collaboration, alongside knowledge and experience exchange."
Ahmed Baqhoum, CEO of Masdar City, remarked that the BRICS delegation's visit to the city signifies international recognition of its pioneering role in developing innovative and sustainable projects through public-private partnerships. He highlighted several landmark projects showcased during the visit, including the regional headquarters of Siemens Energy, the main headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, the free zone housing over 1,500 companies engaged in clean technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy exemplifies the UAE's commitment to adopting advanced solutions in financing and implementing infrastructure projects.
The seminar featured a series of dialogue sessions that addressed the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the field of infrastructure project financing, drawing on the experiences of BRICS countries and best international practices. The discussions encompassed various topics, including innovative financing mechanisms for community projects such as housing, health, and education, as well as blended financing models that mobilize private capital to tackle climate change.
Moreover, specialized sessions focused on project structuring, addressing investment risks, and the role of insurance companies in mitigating challenges. The second day was dedicated to in-depth discussions regarding government and financial sector perspectives on regulatory policies and implementation mechanisms, alongside forecasting the future of public-private partnerships against the backdrop of economic and technological changes.
This event not only showcased the UAE's commitment to fostering international cooperation but also highlighted the importance of collaboration among BRICS nations in addressing global challenges through innovative financing solutions. As the world faces increasing economic uncertainties, the discussions held during this meeting could serve as a blueprint for future partnerships aimed at sustainable development.
