Despite deep-rooted historical ties between Spain and the Arab countries, the historical dimension has had only a modest impact on the former’s economic and trade relations with the GCC. The depth of the ties have remained limited over the past four decades though there remains a lot of opportunities for cooperation.

But in recent years, a qualitative leap has occurred in the nature of GCC-Spain economic relations, with Emirates airline’s opening of direct routes to Madrid and Barcelona being a key factor. The move helped open up prospects and has since been reflected positively on the volume of trade between the UAE and Spain, which grew by 75 per cent to Dh8 billion in 2012 compared to just Dh4.7 billion in 2009. Trade is expected to grow steadily in coming years, especially after the UAE has emerged Spain’s most important trade partner in the Gulf.

Apart from trade, the number of visitors between the two countries rose to 70,000 in 2012, a natural growth after the removal of travel obstacles that resulted from the lack of direct flight routes and hampered the development of tourist arrivals between the two countries.

The gains made since bear indication of the UAE’s long-term development approach, such as the creation of required infrastructure, including air transport links, and will further contribute to the development of other sectors such as trade, investment and tourism. This means the expansion of the UAE’s carrier networks — those of Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia — are economically and even culturally justified.

In the meantime, these direct routes will enhance the UAE’s position as a trade hub linking the world’s seven continents. In spite of having direct flights between Dubai and some South American countries, the core part of these countries’ trade comes through Spain by virtue of the historical relations it has with the American continent. This too reinforces Spain’s trade position as a transit point for the passing of GCC trade to these American countries.

With Emirates airline shifting its cargo operations to Al Maktoum International Airport as of May 1, the air cargo operations and re-export will see further development thanks to the availability of additional handling capacity for trade and transport.

Given the interdependence of the economic component, these development of infrastructure has not stopped at the level of what is required for trade and tourism. The infrastructure development has coincided with the transformation of the UAE into a global centre for the development of renewable energy resources, in addition to its internationally acclaimed status as a global trade hub. Two years ago, Masdar opened the Gemasolar solar power plant in Spain for the production of solar energy, which will supply electric power to 25,000 homes for 24 hours.

The aviation and air transport sector has become one of the most important pillars of the local economy and turned into a key driver for development of other sectors, such as industrial, due to increased exports and re-exports as well as the implementation of joint ventures and flow of investments.

This can explain the size of aircraft orders by national airline companies at various air shows. These orders constitute 70 per cent of the Middle East’s aircraft orders of Boeing and Airbus. This not only leads to an increase in the number of passengers, but constitute significant economic and commercial dimensions that would enhance the UAE’s position in international economic relations.

These deals also provide more job opportunities not just locally, but in many countries where the national airlines have direct routes. Therefore, all the orders for buying new aircraft are an indication of the UAE’s continued economic progress and strength on the international stage.

Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert and specialist in economic and social development in the UAE and the GCC countries.