The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed a new strategic framework aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements—materials essential for advanced technologies, defense systems, and industrial manufacturing. The agreement was finalized during the US Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, reflecting growing international efforts to diversify sourcing and reduce supply vulnerabilities.

Under the framework, both countries will collaborate across the full value chain, including mining, processing, recycling, and downstream manufacturing, while encouraging public- and private-sector investment through financing tools, guarantees, equity participation, and long-term offtake arrangements. The partnership also plans to identify priority projects addressing supply gaps and mobilize investments in both markets within the coming months.

Officials noted that demand for critical minerals is expected to increase sharply in the coming decades, making coordinated international cooperation essential for ensuring reliable supplies and supporting long-term industrial growth and energy transition initiatives. The agreement further promotes cooperation on regulatory facilitation, recycling technologies, and market transparency to enhance supply chain resilience.