About the Ministry

Since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971, the country has adopted a foreign policy rooted in the promotion of security, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the world. This approach - an essential pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy - was laid down by the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. Today, the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues to strengthen, advance, and expand this legacy through pioneering initiatives and contributions across the humanitarian, political, and economic spheres.

The UAE’s foreign policy is grounded in the country’s core values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of cultural dialogue among nations. It also reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global standing through active diplomacy and a constructive role in resolving conflicts peacefully.

Since its establishment on December 9, 1971, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has served as the UAE’s diplomatic gateway to the world, representing the country’s identity and vision on the international stage. Through its embassies and diplomatic missions abroad, the Ministry plays a key role in deepening the UAE’s relations with nations and peoples across the globe, fostering friendships and cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields. This has significantly contributed to enhancing the UAE’s presence both regionally and internationally.

The UAE enjoys strong and distinguished relations with countries around the world, in line with its foreign policy principles of openness, dialogue, bridge-building, and collaboration to promote peace and mutual interests, thereby contributing to global security and stability.

The UAE’s foreign policy is characterized by balance, dynamism, and transparency, as well as a firm commitment to international law and respect for the sovereignty of states. These principles have reinforced the country’s position as a trusted global partner in various fields.

According to the UAE Constitution, federal laws, and Cabinet Resolution No. (6) of 2001 regarding its organizational structure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a central role in formulating and implementing the country’s foreign policy in coordination with relevant entities, through its various departments, embassies, and diplomatic missions around the world. Its ambassadors and representatives serve as the vital link between the UAE leadership and peoples around the globe.

The Ministry works to strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation between the UAE and other nations across various fields. It implements the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, aimed at upholding human dignity, advancing intellectual and civilizational development, and promoting values of peace, brotherhood, and tolerance worldwide. This has earned Emirati citizens widespread respect abroad and further cemented the country’s global standing.

The Ministry manages the UAE’s foreign policy and represents the nation in regional and international forums, reflecting its national priorities and enhancing its international presence. Its key functions include:

• Enhancing the UAE’s presence in international forums by representing the country in bilateral and multilateral meetings, and participating in relevant summits, conferences, and events.
• Protecting the interests of the UAE and its citizens abroad by providing legal and diplomatic support and ensuring their welfare.
• Managing diplomatic relations and fostering bilateral and multilateral ties with partner countries, including overseeing diplomatic and consular exchanges.
• Promoting the UAE’s values, culture, and foreign policy through diplomatic and media platforms that highlight its civilizational, developmental, and humanitarian achievements.
• Overseeing the work of UAE diplomatic and consular missions abroad, ensuring high service standards, and regulating diplomatic privileges and immunities in accordance with international agreements.
• Negotiating and overseeing international treaties and agreements, and ensuring their ratification and implementation in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Supporting global peace and security efforts, sustainable development, humanitarian response, counter-terrorism, and crisis response.
• Managing diplomatic and special passports and providing services to UAE nationals abroad in coordination with other entities.
• Strengthening the UAE’s economic and investment relations through economic diplomacy, trade promotion, tourism, and investment outreach.Advancing the UAE’s humanitarian and development partnerships with countries and international organizations in line with its global responsibility.
• Collaborating with foreign missions accredited to the UAE and coordinating their relations with official bodies to strengthen bilateral ties.

Visionary Statements from UAE Leadership:

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace:
"The UAE’s foreign policy aims to support Arab and Islamic causes and strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation with all countries and peoples based on the UN Charter, international ethics, and noble principles. Our young nation has achieved remarkable success on the international stage and now enjoys a prestigious status both in the Arab world and globally thanks to its noble values. Our policy and positions are founded on principles of justice, truth, and peace, driven by our belief that peace is a vital necessity for all humanity."

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace:
"Since the inception of our state, we have remained committed in our foreign policy to steadfast principles built on mutual respect, non-interference in the affairs of others, and establishing relations based on mutual interests, peaceful dialogue, and respect for international charters. We will continue to pursue an independent and flexible foreign policy aimed at serving national interests, preserving the sovereignty of the state, enhancing Gulf cooperation to achieve integration, and deepening cooperation with Arab states and regional blocs—while working to build a regional and international environment based on peace, stability, and mutual trust."

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE:
"The UAE’s foreign policy will remain supportive of peace and stability in our region and the world—always extending a helping hand to friends and allies and calling for wisdom and cooperation for the benefit and progress of humanity.

The UAE will continue its steadfast approach of strengthening bridges of partnership, dialogue, and balanced, effective relations founded on trust, credibility, and mutual respect with countries around the world to achieve stability and prosperity for all.

The sovereignty and security of the UAE is a fundamental principle that is non-negotiable. We extend a hand of friendship to all countries that share our values of coexistence and mutual respect in pursuit of shared progress and prosperity."