With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba has become a vital figure in shaping international diplomacy. From his early work on regional conflicts to his significant contributions to human rights and climate change negotiations, his impact has been felt across numerous global forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States.
Now serving as the Mexican Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), de Alba is driven by the vast potential to deepen the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the UAE. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on the multifaceted opportunities between the two nations, from enhancing trade and investment to fostering cultural exchange and cooperation in cutting-edge industries like technology and renewable energy.
With Mexico poised as a gateway to both North and South America and the UAE’s strategic location as a hub for the Gulf and beyond, the ambassador shares his vision for a partnership that leverages each country’s strengths to create a brighter, more prosperous future for both regions.
As Mexico and the UAE approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, Ambassador de Alba outlines the critical milestones achieved and the ambitious goals yet to be realized.
Can you share with us the highlights of your career and what led you to your current role as Ambassador of Mexico to the United Arab Emirates?
Certainly, my career spans over 40 years, primarily focused on multilateral work with organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States. I’ve participated in various commissions and tackled a wide range of issues, starting with regional conflicts in Central America, the Middle East, and Africa, and moving on to decolonization, human rights, and the protection of people with disabilities. One of my significant achievements was leading the creation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and serving as the first President of the UN Human Rights Council, emphasizing a balanced approach to civil, political, economic, and social rights.
My career also included significant work on arms control, dealing with nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, as well as combating the illicit trade in small arms. I contributed to drafting the first convention on this topic for the OAS and later for the United Nations. In the area of crime prevention, I chaired the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and organized a congress in Doha.
Migration is another area where I’ve been deeply involved. I facilitated discussions leading to the Global Compact for Migration, which is the only consensus resolution on migration at the UN, addressing the rights of migrant workers and their families, the economic benefits of migration, and the need to combat human trafficking.
At another stage of my career, I focused on climate change, participating in several COP conferences, including those in Copenhagen and Paris. I served as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Climate Change and was involved in organizing a summit of Heads of State in 2019.
My move to the UAE was driven by the need to gain more experience in bilateral relations. The potential for enhancing Mexico’s relationship with the UAE is enormous, and I believe we have only tapped into about 10% of that potential. Both countries need to understand the broader dimensions of this relationship, which extends beyond their populations and markets to encompass their ability to reach wider regional markets through their geographic positions and numerous free trade agreements. The UAE’s long-term vision and investment in new technologies make it an attractive partner for Mexico, especially at a time when many countries are facing economic and political challenges. Here in the UAE, the focus is on looking forward and leveraging opportunities in sustainable development and new technologies, which align perfectly with the needs of the 21st century.
How have you worked to strengthen bilateral relations between Mexico and the United Arab Emirates since you assumed the role?
Since assuming the role of Ambassador of Mexico to the UAE, I have focused on comprehensively understanding the potential of the bilateral relationship. It’s essential to present investment opportunities in Mexico, emphasizing its regional significance. This involves fostering partnerships and cooperation agreements rather than merely seeking capital. It’s crucial to convey that Mexico, with its strategic position, offers access not just to its 130 million citizens but also to the vast North American market, the largest globally, and the Central and South American markets.
An essential aspect has been helping Emirati investors recognize Mexico’s appeal beyond just being a standalone market. Mexico’s capacity to export to the US and its neighboring regions is a significant advantage. Recently, there has been an intensified phenomenon known as “nearshoring,” driven by commercial challenges between the US and China and post-COVID effects. This trend sees companies seeking closer and more secure supply chains, positioning Mexico as a privileged location in relation to the North American market.
For instance, the UAE is heavily investing in sectors like microchips and semiconductors. Encouraging investments in Mexico for such industries – as Sonora’s Plan for Sustainable Energy Project- is highly attractive due to the proximity to the largest market for these products. This strategy strengthens economic ties and supports the UAE’s business priorities within Mexico, fostering a robust, cooperative bilateral relationship.
What initiatives have you led to promote economic collaboration between the two countries?
First, we undertook a comprehensive review of our existing agreements, such as investment protection. More importantly, we initiated discussions on strengthening cooperation ties. The Emirati side expressed a clear interest in negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. They have already signed similar agreements with some Latin American countries, such as Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, while it is currently negotiating with Mercosur Countries and Ecuador. The process will be slower with Mexico, but we are moving in that direction. As an interim measure, we are moving in that direction. As an interim measure, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Comprehensive Partnership last December.
The aim is to ensure that our relationship is not solely focused on commerce or investment but also includes cultural cooperation, tourism promotion, academic exchanges, security cooperation, and information sharing. This agreement is recent, and we are in the early stages of implementation.
Additionally, I have worked closely with travel agency operators. If you ask me about the main area where we need to advance further, it would be tourism. I believe there is tremendous potential. We have excellent connectivity, with a direct Emirates flight to Mexico City that includes a technical stop. While we have significant tourism volumes, the potential is far greater than what we have achieved so far. We need to secure more flights. Establishing a direct flight to Cancun or the new Tulum airport would be technically and commercially viable.
What importance does cultural exchange hold in your diplomatic efforts, and what have been the most successful cultural initiatives during your tenure?
I believe that Mexico is undoubtedly a cultural powerhouse. We have so much to offer, and cultural diplomacy has always been a part of Mexican diplomacy. This includes food, music, painting, sculpture, and, of course, literature, among others. We have a very broad range, in addition to being able to share Mexico’s heritage in terms of its rich indigenous and colonial vestiges. So, we have a significant capacity from the outset.
We have been utilizing this capacity by promoting events. The most important moment during my tenure was the Expo 2020, where the cultural program of the Mexico Pavilion was one of the richest at the Expo. We brought in numerous artists and held many events. Additionally, we established agreements with various institutions here in Abu Dhabi. For example, at the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn, we had a beautiful exhibition comparing Mexican traditional crafts with those of the UAE. We are also collaborating with the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi, which is entering a very exciting phase of cooperation involving the exchange of archaeological pieces for exhibition.
We have our own cultural space at the Embassy, which I believe makes us one of the few embassies in the UAE with a dedicated exhibition area. The most significant exhibition during my tenure was almost two years ago (September – November 2022). We invited Mexican artists living in the UAE or with an interest in the country, and Emirati artists interested in Mexico, to exhibit their artworks. We had 50 pieces on display, including sculptures and paintings. The exhibition beautifully combined Emirati and Mexican artists’ work, often making it hard to tell if a piece was by an Emirati or a Mexican artist. For example, there were paintings of horses by both Emirati and Mexican artists.
One notable piece, painted by an Emirati artist, depicts two women—one Emirati and one Mexican—with the Mexican woman eating the traditional Arabic dessert Luqaimat and the Emirati woman eating a Mexican taco. Another interesting painting features a mariachi band on one side and an Emirati dance group Al-Ayyala with their traditional bamboo canes on the other. The quality of the artwork was very high, with 42 talented artists participating.
My next project involves collaborating with other Latin American ambassadors. I plan to organize an exhibition at a special venue in one of the UAE’s cultural hubs, in partnership with Latin American and Caribbean countries and with Spain and Portugal as part of the Spanish-speaking community. I hope to realize this project next year. We already have the facilities and Emirati support; we just need to coordinate the selection of artworks and schedule the exhibition.
In addition, I aim to bring Mexican writers to the Sharjah Book Fair next year. I want next year to be special because it will be the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Mexico. There is a keen interest from both the UAE and Mexico to celebrate this milestone and showcase the potential of our relationship.
Given your background in environmental diplomacy, what environmental projects or collaborations have you facilitated between Mexico and the United Arab Emirates?
The primary effort has been to support the Emirati delegation and team in any way they found useful from the moment I arrived. I had early contacts to discuss matters related to environmental diplomacy rather than technical aspects. They have a very clear understanding of the discussion topics, the complexities of these issues, and the positions of different countries. However, what I could contribute—and what Mexico has contributed since we organized COP in Cancun—relates more to negotiation mechanics, building trust, and the necessity of making numerous trips to build familiarity and confidence among all parties. This trust is crucial for achieving agreements, which are based on consensus rather than voting.
Consensus is not a procedural rule but a practice that has been followed, requiring the construction of relationships and strengthening of leadership. I believe this is where I could be most helpful. I shared Mexico’s experiences and other experiences I have participated in with the team at all levels. I had conversations with various officials involved, both from the Foreign Ministry and the office of the COP President, including the COP President himself and their main negotiators. During the COP, my role was to facilitate understanding among colleagues as much as possible. My goal has been to foster a sense of collective responsibility to achieve a result that, despite its deficiencies, we can be proud of. I believe the Emiratis have undoubtedly achieved this.
The general perception is that it was one of the most successful COPs, mainly because it sent a very positive signal about what comes next, which had not happened in recent COPs. There was an explicit reference to the need to phase out fossil fuels and a clear indication that this is guided by science, not arbitrary decisions. We must follow scientific guidance if we want to achieve the goal of keeping the average temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The follow-up is now more in the hands of technical bodies, with discussions taking place in various locations, starting in Bonn.
Throughout this process, I have also aimed to ensure that ambassadors, not just from Latin America but in general, remain attentive to these issues. I have participated in many meetings with ambassadors from all regions, where I have shared my experience.
Which sectors do you consider have the greatest potential for trade and investment between Mexico and the United Arab Emirates?
From the UAE to Mexico, there is significant potential in various sectors, particularly in manufacturing. Products like automobiles, auto parts, advanced technology equipment, televisions, cell phones, washing machines, and stoves already have strong acceptance and can be further developed. Additionally, there is growing interest in Mexican agro-products such as avocados, cherries, strawberries, and nuts. More recently, tequila and mezcal have seen increased demand due to market liberalization and reduced taxes, which have expanded the number of venues where alcohol can be consumed. However, there are still untapped opportunities, such as exporting from Mexico meat and poultry, which we have not yet begun but could explore.
In terms of investment potential, I believe Mexico offers considerable opportunities, not just in trade. For instance, in the tourism sector, Mexico is a powerhouse with a highly developed hospitality industry, which could greatly benefit the UAE through shared experiences and joint ventures. We could even explore the construction of hotels or resorts.
Looking from the UAE to Mexico, there is immense capacity to increase investments, particularly with the geopolitical shifts, such as the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China. This will lead to significant investments in the coming years, and Emirati investors are already involved to some extent. However, I believe there is room for more direct investments, rather than through intermediaries in Europe or the U.S. For example, they could further expand their presence in Mexico’s hotel industry, and advanced technology sectors like semiconductors, and even explore projects related to electric vehicle production and lithium extraction.
Moreover, there are major infrastructure projects underway in Mexico, such as the Trans-Isthmic Corridor, which will enable the rapid movement of goods from the Atlantic to the Pacific by rail, and the Maya Train connecting the Mexican Caribbean, which opens up enormous development potential in previously underinvested areas. Additionally, the energy sector remains a traditional area of cooperation, with significant opportunities in renewable energy. For example, the Sonora Plan in northern Mexico, which focuses on solar energy production, semiconductors, electromobility, and lithium battery manufacturing, could greatly interest Emirati investors, offering possibilities for domestic consumption and export to the U.S. Similar projects could be replicated in southern Mexico, with the potential to sell energy to Central America.
In summary, the potential sectors for trade and investment are virtually limitless.
What are your future goals and priorities for the Mexican embassy in the United Arab Emirates?
Our immediate challenge is to develop activities for the upcoming year that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mexico-UAE relationship. This milestone offers an excellent opportunity to advance cultural initiatives and bilateral agreements. Eventually, I hope we can move forward seriously toward negotiating a broader trade agreement, such as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Promoting mutual investment is crucial; successful relationships must be reciprocal. We cannot expect the relationship to improve if we only ask the UAE to invest in Mexico. We must also bring Mexican entrepreneurs here. Several major Mexican companies have already recognized the opportunities in the UAE market and have begun establishing themselves. For example, companies like Cemex and Group Alfa, a Monterrey-based group have made significant investments, including in a large packaging company. Other businesses, such as Kavak, are rapidly expanding here by buying and reselling used cars, and we also have advanced technology firms focused on manufacturing and using batteries for electric vehicles.
Additionally, we see growing interest from financial technology companies, including those dealing with cryptocurrencies and other innovative financial instruments. Mexican products are also becoming increasingly present in the market, and I hope this trend continues, possibly leading to the opening of more high-end Mexican restaurants in the UAE.
In the short term, a key objective is facilitating visits at the presidential level. It would be highly beneficial for the President of the UAE, who, to my knowledge, has never visited Mexico, to do so. Similarly, it would be significant for Mexico’s new president to visit the UAE. In Emirati culture, leadership and direct relationships between leaders play a critical role, so these visits would be vital in strengthening our bilateral ties.
What personal experiences have shaped your approach to diplomacy and international relations?
My approach to diplomacy, especially in multilateral contexts, has always been unconventional. I believe that strictly adhering to rules often leads to mediocrity or paralysis. Consensus, by definition, requires agreement from everyone, and to achieve that, you often have to water down the substance until it’s acceptable to all, which can be counterproductive. Instead, I’ve focused on building high-level consensuses where the stakes are higher and no one can easily back out. For example, I’ve successfully negotiated agreements in the United Nations Human Rights Council that have required both sides to make significant concessions—whether it was getting the European Union to support specific stances on Cuba and Israel or ensuring China accepted country-specific resolutions that it initially opposed.
In my experience, diplomacy needs a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. For instance, during climate negotiations, I played a key role in reviving elements that had failed in Copenhagen, such as the 2-degree temperature cap and the $100 billion financing target. We managed to repackage these goals in a way that was acceptable to most, even if it meant recognizing Bolivia’s objection and moving forward regardless.
What I enjoy most about diplomacy is the challenge of breaking out of the status quo. It’s easy to get comfortable with routine meetings where you already know what everyone will say, but real progress requires pushing beyond that. It means taking risks, forging high-level agreements, and sometimes disregarding traditional protocols to achieve meaningful results.
For example, during crucial negotiations on migration, where Mexico was positioned at one extreme and the European Union at the other, I took the initiative to bring all parties together, even without an official mandate. I rented a room at the United Nations, invited everyone as if it were my living room, and laid out a proposal that eventually led to consensus. This kind of proactive, unconventional approach is what I believe is needed in diplomacy—moving beyond the lowest common denominator and finding solutions that work for the greater good.
I see this kind of leadership emerging in the UAE as well. The UAE has started to fund significant future-oriented programs at the United Nations, focusing on issues like environmental sustainability and the rights of people with disabilities. This is a sign that they are stepping up to play a more influential role on the global stage.
In summary, what has motivated me most in my diplomatic career is the desire to break free from conformity, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what can be achieved. It’s not always possible to go as far as you’d like, but you can always take one more step forward.
