The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on May 13, 2026. The two leaders discussed fraternal relations, cooperation between their countries and regional developments with implications for security and stability, according to the UAE’s WAM news agency. They reviewed ongoing efforts to address challenges facing the region, the official readout stated.
The call highlighted the deep strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, non-oil bilateral trade between the two nations totalled $41.3 billion in 2024, an increase from $37.3 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics placed UAE investment inflows to the kingdom at 9 billion riyals in 2024, making it the second-largest contributor by volume. The UAE was the kingdom’s fifth-largest export destination and third-largest source of imports that year.
Both countries play leading roles in the Gulf Cooperation Council, where they coordinate on political and economic files. They also align within the OPEC+ alliance to manage oil production levels, contributing to global market stability. OEC data showed Saudi Arabia exported goods worth SAR 12.8 billion to the UAE in January 2026 alone, a 51.4 percent rise from the previous January.
This latest discussion follows a similar call in early May 2026 during which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned attacks on the UAE and affirmed Saudi support for its neighbor’s security, Arab News reported. Such frequent communications demonstrate the priority both leaderships place on close consultation. The UAE President expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s positions during those exchanges.
Emirati investments in Saudi Arabia have reached more than $9.26 billion while Saudi investments in the UAE exceed $4.36 billion, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. There are approximately 4,004 Saudi trademarks registered in the Emirates along with dozens of commercial agencies and companies. These statistics illustrate the breadth of economic engagement that complements their security dialogue.
International businesses are betting on closer ties, with an HSBC survey revealing that 90 percent of firms in the UAE plan to boost trade and investment with Saudi Arabia over the next five years. The survey, conducted in November 2025, reflects confidence in the potential of integrated Gulf markets. The leaders’ conversation on Wednesday may have touched upon facilitating such cross-border activity.
The two states continue to advance their respective economic visions, which include substantial investments in non-oil sectors. IMF assessments have highlighted both countries as leaders in digital transformation and AI readiness within the Middle East. Their collaboration on these fronts forms another pillar of the multifaceted relationship addressed in high-level talks.
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