The United Arab Emirates recently hosted the inaugural BRICS group event focused on infrastructure financing, held in Abu Dhabi on May 5 and 6, 2025. The UAE’s Ministry of Finance organized this significant meeting, which included the Public-Private Partnership Working Group’s discussions within the BRICS financial framework. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of senior government officials, international experts, and representatives from global financial institutions and the private sector.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Finance facilitated a seminar titled “A New Era of Growth: Rethinking Infrastructure Financing in BRICS Countries.” This seminar aimed to develop innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects and expand the scope of public-private partnerships. The visiting delegation also toured Masdar City, where they examined key public-private partnership projects in the UAE, particularly in energy, sustainability, and transportation. This visit demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to implementing effective and innovative solutions for financing and executing infrastructure projects.

As reported by The Pinnacle Gazette, Saada Younis Haji Al-Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the importance of the UAE’s role in shaping global economic cooperation, especially in reformation of infrastructure financing systems in collaboration with the private sector. He stated that enhancing partnerships between public and private sectors is a key pillar in the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth. Al-Khouri highlighted the nation’s commitment to adopting flexible and innovative financing models that support vital projects in education, healthcare, clean energy, and transportation. He expressed the ambition to establish a permanent platform for exchanging expertise among BRICS countries and partner nations, aiming to strengthen the private sector’s role in economic transformation amidst growing global challenges.

Ambassador Tatiana Rousseau, representing the Brazilian presidency of BRICS, extended her gratitude to all participants and acknowledged the UAE government’s support. She noted that the gathering would enhance cooperation and advance shared goals in financing quality infrastructure projects across participating countries. Rousseau remarked that the meeting symbolized the commitment to strengthening ties among BRICS nations and exploring collaborative opportunities alongside knowledge exchange.

Ahmed Baqhoum, CEO of Masdar City, remarked that the delegation’s visit underscored international recognition of Masdar City’s role in developing innovative and sustainable projects through public-private partnerships. He pointed out landmark projects displayed during the visit, such as the regional headquarters of Siemens Energy and the main headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The free zone housing over 1,500 companies engaged in clean technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to advanced solutions in financing infrastructure projects.

The seminar featured dialogue sessions addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in infrastructure financing, drawing on experiences from BRICS countries and international best practices. Topics included innovative financing mechanisms for community projects in housing, health, and education, as well as blended financing models to mobilize private capital for climate change initiatives. The second day focused on regulatory policies and implementation mechanisms, forecasting the future of public-private partnerships amidst economic and technological changes.

This event highlighted the UAE’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and underscored the collaborative potential among BRICS nations in addressing global challenges with innovative financing solutions. As the world grapples with economic uncertainties, the discussions from this meeting may serve as a blueprint for future partnerships aimed at sustainable development.