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Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of 2PointZero Group, met with His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on February 5, 2026. The meeting took place during the Dominican leader’s working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he is participating in the World Government Summit 2026.
The discussions focused on UAE-Dominican Republic economic cooperation opportunities, exploring potential collaboration across various sectors including the new economy, tourism, logistics, and trade. According to the official statement, both parties aim to enhance bilateral trade and establish long-term economic partnerships that support economic diversification and mutual interests.
Strengthening UAE-Dominican Republic Economic Cooperation
The meeting addressed ways to advance UAE-Dominican Republic economic cooperation through innovative economic models that align with both countries’ sustainable development goals. The discussions emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships that can facilitate increased trade exchange between the two nations.
President Abinader was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Her Excellency Noelia Shepherd, Director of the Office of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Victor Bisonó Haza, Minister of Housing and Buildings, and His Excellency Renso Herrera, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the UAE. The presence of senior government officials underscored the significance both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties.
Investment Opportunities in New Economy Sectors
The meeting explored investment opportunities in emerging economic sectors that could benefit both countries. Additionally, the discussions highlighted potential cooperation in logistics services, which could serve as a gateway for enhanced trade relations between the UAE and Latin American markets.
Several prominent UAE business leaders attended the meeting, demonstrating the private sector’s interest in expanding economic ties with the Dominican Republic. Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of 2PointZero Group, participated alongside senior executives from major UAE holding companies.
Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Development
The discussions reflected both countries’ commitment to adopting innovative economic models that support sustainable development pathways. Meanwhile, the tourism sector emerged as a particularly promising area for collaboration, given both nations’ strong tourism industries and shared interest in developing this sector further.
The meeting also considered opportunities in trade facilitation mechanisms that could streamline commercial exchanges between UAE businesses and their Dominican counterparts. Furthermore, both sides discussed establishing frameworks for long-term economic partnerships that extend beyond traditional trade arrangements.
Sultan Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, Syed Basar Shueb, CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company, Ali Rashid Al Rashdi, CEO of International Resources Holding, and Hamdan Mohammed Al Dahmani, Chief Investment Officer at Celestial Holding, represented major UAE investment entities at the meeting. Their participation signals strong private sector interest in exploring business opportunities with the Dominican Republic.
World Government Summit Platform
President Abinader’s participation in the World Government Summit 2026 provided an important platform for bilateral discussions on economic cooperation. In contrast to traditional diplomatic visits, this working visit allowed for substantive conversations about concrete partnership opportunities in multiple sectors.
The focus on economic diversification aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to expand its global partnerships beyond traditional markets. However, specific details regarding investment amounts or timelines for implementing cooperation agreements were not disclosed in the official statement.
Both parties are expected to continue discussions on implementing the cooperation frameworks discussed during this meeting. The timeline for announcing specific joint projects or agreements remains unclear, though authorities indicated their commitment to advancing bilateral economic relations in the coming period.
