Foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates

The diplomatic foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates are conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The United Arab Emirates has broad diplomatic and commercial relations with most countries of the world. It plays a significant role in OPEC, and is one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The United Arab Emirates is a member of the United Nations and several of its specialized agencies, as well as the World Bank, IMF, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement. Also, it is an observer in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Most countries have diplomatic missions in the capital Abu Dhabi with most consulates being in United Arab Emirates's largest and most populated city, Dubai.

Multilateral relations

UAE has joined the United Nations and the Arab League and has established diplomatic relations with more than 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia, India, Nepal, United States, and most Western European countries. It has played a moderate role within the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), the United Nations, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The UAE believes that the Arab League needs to be restructured to become a viable institution, and would like to increase the strength and interoperability of the GCC defense forces. [citation needed]

The UAE is a member of the following international organizations: UN and several of its specialized agencies (ICAO, ILO, UPU, WHO, WIPO); World Bank, IMF, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), OPEC, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

In October 2010, the UAE was granted observer status at the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.

As a result of the foreign policy of the UAE, the Emirati passport became the largest individual climber in Henley & Partners Passport Index in 2018 over the past decade, increasing its global rank by 28 places. According to the Henley Passport Index, as of 28 March 2019, Emirati citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 165 countries and territories, ranking the Emirati passport 21st in the world in terms of travel freedom.

In July 2024, The UAE and Japan signed multiple agreements to enhance business ties, including a $3 billion green financing deal and cooperation on energy reserves. Bilateral trade reached $47.4 billion in 2023, with the UAE as Japan's top GCC trading partner and a major oil supplier.

In January 2025, the UAE condemned the 2025 Point Triple attack on Benin.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which the United Arab Emirates maintains diplomatic relations with:

# Country Date
1 United Kingdom 6 December 1971[failed verification]
2 Belgium 8 December 1971
3 Jordan 8 December 1971
Sudan (suspended) December 1971
4 Bahrain 1971
5 Iraq 1971
6 Italy 1971
7 France 5 January 1972
8 India 6 January 1972
9 Lebanon 8 January 1972
10 Pakistan 13 January 1972
11 Syria 19 January 1972
12 Kuwait 8 March 1972
13 United States 20 March 1972
14 Japan 4 May 1972
15 Netherlands 6 May 1972
16 Germany 17 May 1972
17 Libya 24 May 1972
18 Tunisia 14 June 1972
19 Morocco 14 July 1972
20 Egypt 26 October 1972
21 Iran 28 October 1972
22 Spain 10 November 1972
23 Somalia 29 November 1972
24 Sweden 1972
25 Tanzania 8 January 1973
26 Mauritania 16 March 1973
27 Turkey 21 March 1973
28 Oman 1 April 1973
29 Afghanistan 6 April 1973
30 Chad 7 April 1973
31 Yemen 23 June 1973
32 Norway 4 July 1973
33 Algeria 6 July 1973
34 Senegal 23 July 1973
35  Switzerland 12 September 1973
36 Malta 20 November 1973
37 Gabon 6 January 1974
38 Canada 2 February 1974
39 Argentina 26 February 1974
40 Burundi February 1974
41 Bangladesh 9 March 1974
42 Austria 10 March 1974
43 Brazil 10 June 1974
44 Philippines 19 August 1974
45 Saudi Arabia 21 August 1974
46 Ireland 8 October 1974
47 Zambia 29 November 1974
48 Denmark 18 January 1975
49 Finland 21 February 1975
50 Cameroon 24 February 1975
51 Australia 10 March 1975
52 Ecuador 9 June 1975
53 Venezuela 18 June 1975
54 Lesotho 8 July 1975
55 Gambia 9 July 1975
56 Niger 9 July 1975
57 Mexico 12 September 1975
58 Thailand 12 December 1975
59 Grenada 1975
60 Qatar 1975
61 Colombia 1 January 1976
62 Mauritius 4 January 1976
63 Indonesia 30 April 1976
64 Portugal 20 June 1976
65 Greece 21 June 1976
66   Nepal 22 January 1977
67 Comoros 2 June 1977
68 Burkina Faso 16 January 1978
69 Maldives 15 March 1978
70 Chile 23 June 1978
71 Sri Lanka 19 July 1979
72 Uruguay 8 April 1980
73 Luxembourg 6 May 1980
74 South Korea 18 June 1980
75 Mali 18 August 1981
76 Ghana 25 August 1981
77 Trinidad and Tobago 4 December 1981
78 Djibouti 26 December 1981
79 Nigeria 20 January 1982
80 Kenya 5 June 1982
81 Sierra Leone 5 October 1982
82 Seychelles 18 December 1982
83 Malaysia 23 June 1983
84 China 1 November 1984
85 Singapore 15 May 1985
86 New Zealand 20 May 1985
87 Russia 13 November 1985
88 Benin 5 January 1986
89 Peru 17 June 1986
90 Bolivia 1 December 1986
91 Czech Republic 7 June 1988
State of Palestine 5 January 1989
92 Romania 1 August 1989
93 Hungary 2 August 1989
94 Poland 4 September 1989
95 Nicaragua 1 August 1991
96 Bulgaria 19 October 1991
97 Belize 10 December 1991
98 Brunei 28 May 1992
99 Albania 1 June 1992
100 Croatia 23 June 1992
101 Azerbaijan 1 September 1992
102 Kazakhstan 1 October 1992
103 Slovenia 15 October 1992
104 Ukraine 15 October 1992
105 Lithuania 16 October 1992
106 Belarus 20 October 1992
107 Georgia 20 October 1992
108 Uzbekistan 25 October 1992
109 Guatemala 15 December 1992
110 Slovakia 3 January 1993
111 Panama 9 March 1993
112 Ethiopia 5 May 1993
113 Eritrea 28 June 1993
114 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 August 1993
115 Vietnam 1 August 1993
116 South Africa 17 May 1994
117 Ivory Coast 30 May 1994
118 Cambodia 21 October 1994
119 Guyana 6 February 1995
120 Guinea 2 June 1995
121 Latvia 18 September 1995
122 Turkmenistan 10 October 1995
123 Tajikistan 18 December 1995
124 Moldova 21 December 1995
125 Rwanda 1995
126 Barbados 8 January 1996
127 Honduras 26 February 1996
128 Mongolia 1 April 1996
129 Mozambique 3 April 1996
130 North Macedonia 27 May 1996
131 Malawi 12 June 1996
132 Zimbabwe 24 June 1996
133 Namibia 22 July 1996
134 Kyrgyzstan 1 August 1996
135 Laos 15 October 1996
136 São Tomé and Príncipe 24 October 1997
137 Angola 11 December 1997
138 Armenia 25 June 1998
139 Suriname 7 October 1999
140 Cuba 18 March 2002
141 Iceland 17 September 2003
142 Eswatini 2 November 2005
143 Estonia 28 March 2006
144 Botswana 28 April 2006
145 Cape Verde July 2006
146 El Salvador 15 March 2007
147 Serbia 21 March 2007
148 Nauru 27 March 2007
149 Antigua and Barbuda 4 May 2007
150 Republic of the Congo 21 May 2007
Holy See 30 May 2007
151 Cyprus 6 June 2007
152 Paraguay 13 July 2007
153 Tonga 13 July 2007
North Korea (suspended) 17 September 2007
154 Togo 6 December 2007
155 Uganda 2007
156 Montenegro 4 April 2008
157 Andorra 23 September 2008
158 Dominican Republic 12 November 2008
159 San Marino 28 January 2009
160 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 20 February 2009
161 Liberia 6 May 2009
162 Central African Republic 22 May 2009
163 Vanuatu 23 June 2009
164 Monaco 9 October 2009
165 Palau 16 October 2009
166 Haiti 21 October 2009
167 Liechtenstein 22 October 2009
168 Timor-Leste 13 November 2009
169 Costa Rica 11 March 2010
170 Fiji 17 March 2010
171 Tuvalu 29 March 2010
Kosovo 27 April 2010
172 Solomon Islands 29 April 2010
173 Samoa 11 May 2010
174 Marshall Islands 3 June 2010
175 Saint Kitts and Nevis 16 June 2010
176 Saint Lucia 29 November 2010
177 Jamaica 4 March 2011
178 Bahamas 2 May 2011
179 Bhutan 13 September 2012
180 Dominica 17 December 2014
181 South Sudan 23 June 2016
182 Federated States of Micronesia 8 September 2016
183 Madagascar 22 September 2016
184 Papua New Guinea 22 March 2017
185 Democratic Republic of the Congo 1 November 2017
Cook Islands 5 August 2018
186 Guinea-Bissau 28 June 2019
187 Equatorial Guinea 13 July 2019
188 Israel 15 September 2020
189 Myanmar 9 November 2020
190 Kiribati Unknown

Africa

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Algeria 6 July 1973 See Algeria–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1973 when UAE officials opened an embassy in Algiers

  • Algeria has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Algiers.
Egypt 10 January 1972, severed diplomatic relations from 25 April 1979, Restored 11 November 1987 See Egypt–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1972

Since the establishment of the UAE in 1971, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates relations were always at a good level and developing at an unprecedented rate. The bond of friendship between the leaders of both countries has reflected on the growing political, economic and cultural ties between them, as a result, UAE ranks first among Arab and foreign countries investing in Egypt. The UAE and Egypt maintain a close economic ties and maintain trade between the two countries with imports and exports between the two sides.

  • Egypt has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Cairo.
Eritrea 28 June 1993 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 1993
  • Eritrea has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has a military base in Assab.
Kenya 5 June 1982 See Kenya–United Arab Emirates relations
Liberia 6 May 2009 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 May 2009
  • Liberia has a Consulate General in Dubai.
  • Relations with The UAE are very good with multiple bilateral agreement signed in 2019.
Libya 24 May 1972

The UAE maintains a forward operating base at the Al-Khadim Airport, near Marj.

Senegal 23 July 1973

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1973

The United Arab Emirates established an embassy in Dakar in March 2018, which was unveiled by Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development loaned Senegal $13 million to invest in rural solar energy.

Somalia 29 November 1972 See Somalia–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1972

  • Somalia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Mogadishu.
Sudan December 1971 See UAE-Sudan relations
  • On 6 March 2025, Sudan filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide by supporting the Rapid Support Forces, which are alleged to have committed atrocities against the Masalit people in Darfur.

Americas

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Barbados 8 January 1996

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1996.

  • In 2022 the government of Barbados opened an embassy in Dubai.[1]
  • In 2023 the Government of Dubai signed a deal to operate the sole International airport in Barbados.[2]
Brazil 26 May 1974 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1974
  • Brazil has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Brasília.
Canada 2 February 1974 See Canada–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 February 1974

  • Canada has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Ottawa.
Chile 23 June 1978 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 June 1978
  • Chile has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Santiago.
Colombia 1 January 1976 See Colombia–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1976

  • Colombia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Bogotá.
Mexico 12 September 1975 See Mexico–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1975

  • Mexico has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Mexico City.
Peru 17 June 1986

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1986

  • Peru has a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Lima.
United States 20 March 1972 See United Arab Emirates–United States relations

The UAE's strategic relationship with the United States dates back to the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Subsequent to joining the military effort, the two countries signed an agreement in late 1992 permitting the United States to use some UAE bases temporarily and to pre-position supplies on UAE territory. Since 25 July 1994, a formal Defense Cooperation Agreement has been in place. Ten years later, despite publicly opposing the US led war in Iraq, the UAE permitted a minimal amount of US forces to support the operation from the Al Dhafra air base, Jebel Ali, and naval facilities at Fujairah. Enhancing security relations, has been a US arms sale in March 2000 to the Emirates, valued at $8 billion and included over $2 billion worth of weapons, munitions, and services.

A nuclear deal was signed between the US and the UAE meant to supply nuclear technology, expertise and fuel. Despite international opposition to neighboring Iran's nuclear developments, the US is confident of the UAE's compliance with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards to refrain from enriching uranium and extracting plutonium. It firmly believes this agreement "has the potential to usher in an era of responsible nuclear-energy development throughout the Middle East."

Commercially, the UAE is also the States' largest export market in the Middle East constituting $11.6 billion in exports annually. In March 2005, the US opened negotiations on a free trade agreement and despite intermittent depreciation of currencies in the Persian Gulf area, the UAE dirham remains pegged to the dollar. The two countries have also maintained close ties through an exchange of cultural and educational partnerships which include the Guggenheim Museum, and a number of American Universities opening campuses in the Emirates.

  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Washington, DC and a consulate-general in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City.
  • The United States has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.

Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Afghanistan 6 April 1973 See Afghanistan–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 April 1973

  • Afghanistan has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kabul.
Armenia 25 June 1998 See Armenia–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1998.
  • Armenia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Yerevan.
Azerbaijan 1 September 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1992
  • The United Arab Emirates recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 26, 1991.
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Baku.
Bahrain 1971 See Bahrain–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Bahrain has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Manama.
China 1 November 1984 See China–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1984 Over the years, the relations between the UAE and China intensified, causing increasing issues with an important western ally, the US. From the Chinese technology to crude oil and to COVID-19 vaccine, the Emirates began to expand its reliance on China. In 2021, the US raised multiple warnings for the Emirates to move back in its growing relations with China. The Biden administration pushed the Emirates to abandon Huawei's telecommunication network, which was a potential threat to a crucial deal of F-35 fighter jet and other military equipment between the UAE and US. The US also warned the Emirates of a military facility that was secretly being built by China at a port near Abu Dhabi. The US intelligence warnings and multiple trips by the American officials to the UAE let to a halt in the construction of the facility.

  • China has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Beijing and consulates-general in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
  • The UAE and China have been strong international allies, with significant cooperation across economic, political and cultural aspects.
India 23 February 1972 See India–United Arab Emirates relations

UAE enjoys close economic and cultural relations with India. Close maritime contact between India and the Arabian Peninsula date back to 3rd and 2nd millennium BC. and textile and spice trade between the two countries flourished during most of 1st millennium AD.

The discovery of oil allowed the UAE to increase and diversify its trade relations with India. UAE and India are each other's main trading partners. The trade totals over $75 billion (AED275.25 billion). During the first half of 2010, non-oil trade between India and the UAE stood at US$20.4 billion. UAE is home to more than 3 million Indian expatriates, making Indians the largest ethnic group in the nation.

  • India has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in New Delhi.
Indonesia 1976 See Indonesia–United Arab Emirates relations

The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and United Arab Emirates are friendly and cordial since they were established in 1976. Both Muslim majority countries, they each recognize the other's important role its respective region. Indonesia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi, while the United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are partners in multilateral organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), The Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Indonesia uses the UAE as the main gate to enter the Persian Gulf and Middle East market, Indonesia's export to UAE is the largest in the Middle East. Indonesian Government has established the trade and investment representative office to promote its products in United Arab Emirates and the entire Middle East region.

Iran 28 October 1972 See Iran–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 October 1972

  • Iran has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Tehran. The embassy is administered by a Chargés d'affaires en pied.
  • Iran and United Arab Emirates both claims three islands in the Persian Gulf (Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb).
Iraq 1971 See Iraq–United Arab Emirates relations

The 1990 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait were a shock to the UAE. For the UAE, the crisis over Kuwait demonstrated a lack of Arab unity on a critical Arab issue. The UAE joined the Arab states that opposed the Iraqi invasion and supported the use of force to compel Iraq's withdrawal of troops from Kuwait. Prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the UAE opposed the US-led invasion.

In June 2008, the Iraqi government announced that the United Arab Emirates would send an ambassador to Baghdad within a few days. This would become the first Arab ambassador in Iraq since the kidnapping and murder of the Egyptian Ambassador Ihab el-Sherif in July 2005. This announcement was made during a surprise visit by the United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Baghdad on 5 June 2008. This marked the first time a high-ranking official from a Gulf state visited Iraq since March 2003.

On 31 July 2007 following Iraq victory of the Asian Cup, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE awarded the Iraq national football team 20 million Dhs, ($5.2 million) for capturing the Asian Cup for the first time in the country's history.

Israel 15 September 2020 See Israel–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Israel has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Tel Aviv.

The Abraham Agreement has opened a new window of opportunity for normalization between Israel and the UAE. However, some analysts, such as Salem Al Ketbi, reject "zero-sum arguments" and suggest that relations with Israel and Iran do not preclude each other. As a response to the Gaza war, the UAE condemned Hamas for its "serious and grave escalation" and its hostage taking.

Jordan 1972 See Jordan–United Arab Emirates relations

Jordan was the first country to recognize UAE after forming the union in 1971. The first commander in Chief in the UAE military was Jordanian, and the first commander in Zayed Military college was Jordanian as well. Making Jordan effectively one of a key partners of forming the UAE. The relationship between UAE and Jordan dates to the 1950s, before UAE gain independence and form the union. Jordan at the time used to aid UAE with educational, military, and health care missions, when UAE was still a barren desert.

  • Jordan has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Amman.
Kazakhstan 1992 In 2025 the UAE and Kazakhstan signed over $5 billion in deals, expanding ties in energy, tech, and infrastructure. This followed a 2023 strategic investment agreement and a surge in UAE investment in 2024.
Kuwait 8 March 1972 See Kuwait–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1972

  • Kuwait has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kuwait City.
Malaysia 11 September 1974 See Malaysia–United Arab Emirates relations

The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.

In 2005 Malaysia's export to the UAE stood at Dh7 billion. Main export items were gold and jewellery, wood products (furniture and parts), palm oil, petroleum products and electrical appliances. In 2007, trade between Malaysia and UAE was worth MYR 14.56 billion making UAE, Malaysia's largest trading partner in West Asia as well as Malaysia being the 10th largest exporter to UAE. In 2009, Malaysian ambassador Datuk Yahaya Abdul Jabar said total trade between Malaysia and UAE from January to November stood at RM19.5 billion. Malaysia's main exports to the UAE are jewellery, consumer electronics and palm oil.

Oman 1 April 1973 See Oman–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established full diplomatic relations on 1 April 1973

  • Oman has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Muscat.
Pakistan 13 January 1972 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 January 1972

See Pakistan–United Arab Emirates relations

Pakistan and the UAE are very close allies with extremely close relations based on cultural affinities and shared faith. These relations date back to the UAE's formation in 1971, and have since developed into wide-ranging co-operation in various fields. UAE has been a major donor of economic assistance to Pakistan. Sheikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan, in the Punjab province of Pakistan is an example of UAE's economic assistance as the late president and the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed donated the airport to the government of Pakistan.

UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan's major economic and trading partners. A large number of Pakistani expatriates, numbering nearly 1.2 million are gainfully employed in UAE.[citation needed]

Qatar 1975 See Qatar–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1975.

The UAE alongside multiple Middle Eastern and African countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in June 2017 due to allegations of Qatar being a state sponsor of terrorism, resulting in the Qatar diplomatic crisis. Ties were restored in January 2021. In June 2023, both countries reopened their embassies and appointed ambassadors in July and August.

Saudi Arabia 21 August 1974 See Saudi Arabia–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 August 1974.

  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate-general in Jeddah.
South Korea 18 June 1980 See South Korea–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1980

  • South Korea has an embassy Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Seoul.
Syria 19 January 1972 See Syria–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 January 1972
  • The UAE has an embassy in Damascus.
  • Syria has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • Both countries are members of the Arab League.
  • On 18 March 2022, Bashar al-Assad visited the UAE for the first time since 2011. He met Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the peace deal. The US fully opposed the relations building between the UAE and Syria. Despite the US opposition, the UAE was still building relation with Syria. On 19 March 2023, Assad visited the UAE again, with his wife Asma al Assad.
Turkey 21 March 1973 See Turkey–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 March 1973

  • Turkey has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul.
Turkmenistan 1995 On 14 May 2025, UAE's XRG took a 38% stake in Turkmenistan's Caspian Block I, deepening energy ties after a 2024 high-level visit. Turkmenistan has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai. The UAE has an embassy in Ashgabat.
Vietnam 1 August 1993 See United Arab Emirates–Vietnam relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1993

  • Vietnam has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Hanoi.
Yemen See United Arab Emirates–Yemen relations

The UAE and Yemen have a complex and strained relationship, as the UAE has played a significant role in regional politics in Yemen, and has at various points been an adversary of the country, as the UAE's involvement in Yemen, for example the United Arab Emirates takeover of Socotra, and its support for the Southern Transitional Council, a secessionist organization in Southern Yemen, has been a source of tension between the two countries, and has contributed to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the country. Furthermore, the UAE has been involved in other efforts in Yemen that have been controversial. The country has been accused of backing local militias and separatist groups that have sought to gain more autonomy or independence from the central government. Some critics have accused the UAE of using these groups to further its own interests in the region, rather than working towards a broader peace and stability in Yemen.

Europe

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Denmark 18 January 1975 See Denmark–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1975

  • Denmark has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
France 5 January 1972 See France–United Arab Emirates relations

The UAE's relationship with France has been strategically important as it negotiated a defence cooperation agreement and remains one of the country's primary providers of military material. France and the UAE have signed a defence cooperation agreement in order to diversity its procurement from solely the US. Culturally, as the Sorbonne and Louvre are both establishing extensions in the UAE, a plan is in the works to recreate a miniature Lyon city in Dubai complete with public squares, restaurants and museums.

On 25 May 2009, the French president Nicolas Sarkozy visited the UAE, Abu Dhabi where he along with UAE's president Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan formally opened a French military base in the United Arab Emirates. This would become France's first permanent base in the Persian Gulf, hosting up to 500 French troops. In addition to the inauguration of Peace Camp, Nicolas Sarkozy visited the site of a Louvre Museum branch which France is opening in the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that the co-operation with France is a top priority for the UAE's foreign policy.

  • France has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Paris.
Germany 17 May 1972 See Germany–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 May 1972

German exports amount to 5.84 billion Euros. German companies significantly contribute to the UAE's ongoing infrastructure projects and play a leading role in the country's alternative energy developments. Consequently, German Business Park, an area designed to house several of the already seven hundred present companies and their logistical needs, is in the midst of construction.

Greece 21 June 1976 See Greece–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and an economic and commercial affairs office in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Athens.
Ireland 8 October 1974 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 October 1974
  • Ireland has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Dublin.
Kosovo 14 October 2008 See Kosovo–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Kosovo has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates is accredited to Kosovo from its embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
Netherlands 6 May 1972 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 May 1972
  • The Netherlands has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in The Hague.
Poland 4 September 1989 See Poland–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1989

  • Poland has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Warsaw.
Portugal 20 June 1976 See Portugal–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1976.

  • Portugal has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Lisbon.
Russia 13 November 1985 See Russia–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 November 1985.

  • Russia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Moscow.
Serbia 21 March 2007 See Serbia–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 March 2007

  • Serbia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Belgrade.
Spain 10 November 1972 See Spain–United Arab Emirates relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 November 1972.

  • Spain has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a commercial office in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Madrid.
Ukraine 15 October 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1992
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the UAE abstained in a U.N. Security Council vote to condemn Russia's invasion. The UAE later condemned Russia in a U.N. General Assembly vote.
United Kingdom 6 December 1971 See United Arab Emirates–United Kingdom relations

The United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 6 December 1971.[failed verification]

  • The United Arab Emirates maintains an embassy in London.
  • The United Kingdom is accredited to the United Arab Emirates through its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The UK governed the United Arab Emirates from 1920 to 1971, when the United Arab Emirates achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Defence Cooperation Accord, an Investment Agreement, and a Partnership for the Future. Both countries are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.

Oceania

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Australia 16 March 1975 See Australia–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Australia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Canberra.
New Zealand 20 May 1985 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1985
  • New Zealand has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
  • The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Wellington.
  • In January 2025, the New Zealand and UAE governments signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, cutting tariffs on 98.5% of New Zealand exports to the UAE.

See also

  • List of diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates
  • List of diplomatic missions of the United Arab Emirates
  • List of foreign military bases in the United Arab Emirates
  • Visa requirements for Emirati citizens
  • Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates

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