UAE and United States Sign Framework to Strengthen Secure Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths on the Sidelines of U.S. Critical Minerals Ministerial

• Framework aims to accelerate secure supply of critical minerals and rare earths essential to defence, advanced technologies, and industrial resilience in both countries
• Commits both parties to mobilise public and private investment across mining, processing, and recycling value chains, as well as measures to streamline permitting, strengthen market resilience, and protect supply chains from non-market practices
• Ministry of Investment reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to forward-looking investment, international partnerships, and shared solutions that strengthen global supply chain resilience and economic security

Washington D.C., 4 February 2026 – On the sidelines of the US Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, D.C., the United Arab Emirates and the United States signed a Framework on Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, underscoring the depth of bilateral cooperation and a shared commitment to building diversified, resilient supply chains for materials essential to defence, advanced technologies, and long-term industrial growth.

The Framework was signed by H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and H.E. Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.

 The signing took place as the UAE Ministry of Investment joined international partners at the US Critical Minerals Ministerial, at the invitation of the US Department of State, engaging with more than fifty global counterparts to advance dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains.

The Framework establishes a coordinated approach to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals, leveraging existing policy tools, including the US’ industrial demand and stockpiling infrastructure and the UAE’s strategic reserves. It also provides a platform to mobilise public and private investment across the value chain, spanning mining, separation, processing, recycling, and downstream activities.

Both sides commit to supporting investment through a range of mechanisms, including financing, guarantees, equity investments, offtake arrangements, insurance, and regulatory facilitation. The UAE and the U.S. intend to jointly identify priority projects that address supply chain gaps and, within six months of the Framework’s signing, take steps to provide financing to projects located in each country, expected to generate end products for delivery to buyers in both markets.

The Framework further supports accelerated and streamlined permitting processes, consistent with applicable laws, and outlines cooperation to strengthen market resilience. This includes measures to address non-market policies and unfair trade practices, explore high-standard market mechanisms that promote transparent and reliable trade, and engage with international partners on global pricing challenges.

Additional areas of cooperation include investment in recycling technologies, improved management of critical minerals and rare earths scrap, geological mapping efforts in the UAE, the United States, and other mutually agreed locations, enhanced review of asset sales on national security grounds, and collaboration with third parties to further strengthen supply chain security.

HE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, stated: “Critical minerals supply chains are inherently global, and unlocking their full potential requires coordinated action and sustained investment. As demand is expected to triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, maintaining investment momentum will be essential to meeting future needs and supporting resilient industrial growth. As the second-largest source of foreign investment into the UAE, our partnership with the United States is critical in addressing global challenges, and this Framework will support joint investment and the advancement of concrete projects across the critical minerals value chain.”

HE Jacob Helberg, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, said: “The United Arab Emirates is a key partner of the United States, a relationship further underscored by the UAE’s US$1.4 trillion investment commitment in the U.S over the next decade. Our partnership is multi-layered and spans critical sectors, creating the foundation for transformative cooperation. This Framework reflects our shared ability to work together across the most strategic industries, including critical minerals, to strengthen economic and national security.”

Through its participation in the Ministerial and the signing of the Framework, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to shared solutions, international cooperation, and investment-led partnerships that support secure, resilient, and diversified critical minerals supply chains, contributing to long-term global economic stability and resilience.

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About the Ministry of Investment of the UAE
The Ministry of Investment plays a pivotal role in solidifying the UAE’s position as a global investment hub with world-class connectivity to international markets. By attracting foreign direct investment in critical sectors and fostering private and private sector collaboration, the Ministry leverages the UAE’s fit-for-purpose, investor-friendly environment and ambitious economic diversification goals, positioning the nation as a resilient and forward-looking destination for global investors and enterprises.

About Invest UAE 
Invest UAE is a platform by the Ministry of Investment dedicated to enhancing the UAE’s investment ecosystem and positioning the UAE as a leading global investment hub. Under the Ministry’s leadership, Invest UAE aims to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment across multiple sectors of the UAE’s economy and encourage partnerships between global investors and nations. Its purpose is to create a setting where people, businesses, and capital can thrive, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a compelling investment destination for all.

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