Economic Diplomacy And Its Effect On Trade

Abstract

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) by Rashid Ghanem Al Hajri entitled, “Economic Diplomacy And Its Effect On Trade”, submitted in May 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Khusrav Gaibulloev. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Approval Signatures, Completion Certificate, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Using diplomatic techniques to advance national economic interests internationally is known as economic diplomacy. Its impact on commerce includes opening up new markets, strengthening bilateral ties, and facilitating agreements. Through active international collaboration and strategic partnerships, economic diplomacy has improved the United Arab Emirate standing in international trade, increased non-oil exports, and drawn investment. This paper examines how economic diplomacy has shaped and improved the United Arab Emirate’s performance in international trade. The United Arab Emirate has intentionally positioned itself as a worldwide commercial powerhouse. One of the main factors propelling the United Arab Emirate’s trade growth and diversification is economic diplomacy, which includes the use of diplomatic channels, trade agreements, strategic partnerships, and foreign policy instruments to advance national economic goals. The study looks at how the United Arab Emirate uses international organisations, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and foreign missions to open up new markets, draw in Foreign Direct Investment, and improve trade conditions. This study offers a thorough grasp of the relationship between diplomatic involvement and commerce outcomes by examining significant trade agreements, diplomatic endeavours, and trade statistics from the previous 20 years. As part of its long-term economic strategy, which includes Vision 2030 and several free trade agreements with nations in Asia, Africa, and Europe, it also evaluates the effects of regional geopolitical dynamics and the United Arab Emirate’s initiatives to promote the non-oil industry. Government publications, scholarly works, trade databases, and interviews with economic specialists were the sources of both primary and secondary data. The results show that the United Arab Emirate’s persistent trade growth has been greatly aided by its aggressive and practical economic diplomacy, especially in non-oil industries like technology, banking, tourism, and logistics. The report also emphasises how economic diplomacy improves the United Arab Emirate’s legitimacy and appeal as a trading partner in a world market that is becoming more and more competitive, in addition to strengthening bilateral ties.School of Business AdministrationDepartment of Management, Strategy and EntrepreneurshipMaster of Business Administration (MBA