Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is planning a brief yet significant meeting with members of the BRICS group during a scheduled stop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This meeting is expected to occur on Monday, the 23rd, coinciding with a scheduled stop for refueling the presidential aircraft. While this gathering is not designated as a state visit and is described as being more informal, it underscores Brazil’s ongoing engagement with other emerging economies, particularly in light of the UAE’s recent full membership in BRICS starting 2024.

The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, and China, is a coalition of major emerging economies aiming to enhance political and economic cooperation. The inclusion of the UAE as a full member marks a significant development for the bloc, reflecting its expansion and growing influence on the global stage. Lula’s decision to include this meeting in an otherwise routine refueling stop at the capital suggests an intention to leverage existing diplomatic relationships to enhance investment, energy, and trade collaboration with the UAE.

Lula has been fostering dialogue with the United Arab Emirates with a focus on these key areas, indicative of Brazil's broader strategy to strengthen ties with BRICS nations and expand its influence within this collective of emerging economies. While details of this meeting are still being finalized, its occurrence highlights the importance Brazil places on its relationship with the UAE and the potential collaborative opportunities presented by the BRICS grouping.