DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates is leveraging its second year as a full-fledged BRICS member to negotiate trade deals with Latin American economies while navigating the bloc’s leadership, currently steered by Russia and China, away from overtly anti-Western sentiments.

As it prepares for the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7 — under Brazil’s presidency — the UAE aims to solidify its role within the group. The country officially joined BRICS in January 2024, expanding a bloc that was originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The 2024 expansion included the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and Indonesia. While Saudi Arabia has been invited to join, it is still weighing its decision. Argentina, despite receiving an invitation, ultimately opted out.

Emirati officials have emphasized that the UAE’s decision to join BRICS aligns with its broader ambition to serve as a voice for the Global South. This follows its role in hosting the 2023 climate talks, as well as its expanding trade and humanitarian engagements with developing economies. BRICS, which collectively surpasses the United States in economic output — accounting for 37.7% of global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, according to the International Monetary Fund — represents a vast market of 3.3 billion people. The UAE’s membership has been well received within BRICS, as the country is uniquely positioned as a high-income Global South nation expected to drive investments within the bloc.

In February, Abu Dhabi sent its assistant sherpa to Brasilia to participate in the first BRICS sherpa meeting. The term "sherpas" refers to government representatives responsible for preparing their countries for such summits.