Ukraine - UAE Relationships

Diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine were established in 1992. Ukraine opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1994, and the UAE opened its Embassy in Kyiv in 2013. Since then, the relationship has grown into a broad partnership covering political dialogue, trade and investment, humanitarian cooperation and people-to-people ties.

In February 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, witnessed the signing in Abu Dhabi of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1 July 2026. In October 2025, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine, led a high-level UAE delegation on an official visit to Ukraine.

The UAE supports a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. As a trusted mediator, the UAE has conducted 26 mediations that made possible the exchange of nearly 8,000 captives between Russia and Ukraine. In 2026, Abu Dhabi also hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the conflict, UAE humanitarian assistance has reached more than 1.2 million people in Ukraine, including one million women and children.

• Over recent years, the relationship between the UAE and Ukraine has gained significant momentum, developing into a robust partnership that bridges the two nations and their citizens. The United Arab Emirates ranks among Ukraine's leading trade partners in the Middle East, based on the substantial volume of goods and products exchanged.
• The strength of this partnership is evident in foreign trade statistics, which highlight thriving bilateral ties. In 2019, the total trade volume in goods and services reached approximately $1.065 billion, marking an increase from $959.6 million in 2018. Although the figure dipped slightly to $900.6 million in 2020, the overall trajectory remains optimistic.
• This upward progression can be partially attributed to key diplomatic efforts, including the visit of a UAE delegation led by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in August 2018. The visit aligned with the third session of the UAE-Ukraine Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Kyiv. Additionally, trade volumes are poised for further expansion following the Ukrainian President's visit to the UAE in February 2021, signaling strengthened economic collaboration between the two nations.
• The UAE–Ukraine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in February 2025, entered into force on 1 July 2026. It exempts 99% of Ukrainian imports of UAE goods and 97% of Ukrainian exports to the UAE from customs duties. It is expected to add USD 369 million to the UAE’s GDP and USD 874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031. The agreement opens new opportunities for trade, investment and private-sector cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, heavy industry, aviation, aerospace and information technology.

Cultural and people-to-people ties between the UAE and Ukraine are built on the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation signed in 2017 and on the agreements on mutual visa exemption and on cooperation in tourism. Together, these agreements support cultural exchange, tourism and closer contacts between the two peoples.

In recent years, cooperation has increasingly focused on education and on support for children and families. Through partnership agreements with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, with a combined value of USD 9.5 million, the UAE Aid Agency supports centres for foster families, psychosocial recovery centres and safe schools in Ukraine. The UAE has also provided thousands of laptops and school bags to students in Ukraine.

The Embassy works with Ukrainian cultural and educational institutions to strengthen mutual understanding and to introduce Emirati culture and heritage to the Ukrainian public.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns UAE nationals against traveling to Ukraine at present.

Kyiv, the capital and largest city of Ukraine, is located in the north-central part of the country along the Dnieper River. It has a population of 2.9 million (as of 2016 estimates). Founded in the 5th century, Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. It serves as a significant industrial, educational, and cultural hub, hosting high-tech industries and numerous higher education institutions. Kyiv is also home to several renowned historical and cultural landmarks, including:

• The main thoroughfare, Khreshchatyk Street, and Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti).
• The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves).
• The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, featuring "The Motherland" monument.
• Mariinsky Park and the Mariinsky Palace.
• The Hryshko National Botanical Garden.
• The Podil district.