Envoy discusses economic ties with UAE minister 2006/11/21 Outgoing Iranian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammadali Hadi discussed issues of mutual interest and bilateral economic ties with UAE Finance and Industry Minister Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum on Monday. The meeting, held at the Iranian embassy in Dubai, gave the two sides the opportunity to discuss enhancement of Iran-UAE cooperation in the economic, political and cultural fields, reports Trend. Referring to his country's 120-year-long history of trade ties with Iran, UAE Finance Minister Al-Maktoum hoped the two sides would work to further expand their relations in the future. He moreover informed that Dubai was interested in buying natural gas from Iran. The kingdoms of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras al-Khaimah have so far expressed their desire to purchase natural gas from Iran. According to official reports, Iran-Dubai trade exchanges amount to $10 billion each year, a major part of which is accounted for by exports.