The United Arab Emirates and the United States have taken a big step to work closely on securing critical minerals and rare earths. These materials are key to future economic growth and security. On the sidelines of the US Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC, both countries signed the Framework on Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. The deal was signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs. The agreement shows their strong commitment to build diverse and strong supply chains for materials used in defense systems, advanced tech, and industries. During the ministerial, the UAE joined over 50 countries to boost cooperation on safe and steady supply chains. The framework aims to speed up supplies by using US industrial demand and stocks alongside the UAE’s strategic reserves. It also sets a platform to attract public and private money for mining, processing, recycling, and other related work. Both countries will support projects via financing, guarantees, investments, insurance, and easier regulations. Priority projects will be identified to fill supply gaps. Within six months, steps will be taken to finance projects in both countries, with products delivered to markets in the UAE and US. The agreement also calls for faster permitting and cooperation to make markets stronger. This includes fighting unfair trade practices and working on fair trade rules and global pricing. Further plans include investing in recycling tech, improving scrap management, geological mapping, reviewing asset sales for security, and working with third parties to boost supply chain safety. Minister Alsuwaidi said, “Demand for critical minerals is expected to triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, making sustained and coordinated investment essential.” Helberg highlighted the UAE as a key partner with a $1.4 trillion investment plan in the US over ten years. He added, “this framework strengthens both economic and national security cooperation.”