Relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are based on diplomatic foundations established on 20 January 1982, and have since expanded to include various fields such as politics, economy, culture, and social affairs.
Economic cooperation between the two sides has included the signing and ratification of several agreements, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, the Air Services Agreement, and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, in addition to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has contributed to establishing a legal framework governing economic relations between the two countries.
The first session of the Joint Committee between the two countries was held on 26 July 2022 in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and His Excellency Ambassador Zubairu Dada, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during which memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of culture, youth, and sports.
Bilateral relations have also been marked by a series of high-level visits and meetings, most notably:
- In July 2026, H.E. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, visited Abuja, where he met with H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- In January 2026, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) in Abu Dhabi, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the two countries.
- In January 2025, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025) in the United Arab Emirates, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- In December 2023, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu participated in COP28 in Dubai, where he also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
- In November 2023, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, visited Abuja, where they met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and delivered a message from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, regarding the strengthening of bilateral relations.
- In September 2023, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
- On 29 May 2023, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan led the UAE delegation to the inauguration ceremony of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Nigeria enjoy growing economic and trade relations, reflected in the steady expansion of bilateral trade and the diversification of investment opportunities between the two countries. Non-oil trade reached approximately USD 4.9 billion in 2025, representing a 14% increase over USD 4.3 billion in 2024, following growth from approximately USD 2.7 billion in 2023. Bilateral trade is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2026 following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January 2026. The UAE is Nigeria's leading Arab trading partner, accounting for approximately 47% of Nigeria's total trade with Arab countries. The resumption of Emirates Airline flights to Nigeria has also contributed to increased trade and business activity while facilitating stronger economic and investment ties between the two countries.
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja has led a number of initiatives to strengthen economic cooperation and promote investment. Notably, it hosted the first edition of Investopia on the African continent in February 2026, reflecting the growing economic partnership between the UAE and Nigeria. The Embassy also organized the UAE–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum in Dubai in 2021 in cooperation with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, as well as an Investment Forum in partnership with the Nigeria Governors' Forum on the sidelines of the 11th Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai, which was attended by the governors of 14 Nigerian states. In addition, the Embassy co-organized the Dubai–Nigeria Trade Forum in Lagos in December 2018 in collaboration with the Dubai Exports Development Corporation and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Nigeria maintain growing cultural relations based on cooperation in the fields of arts, culture, education, and creative industries, reflecting both countries’ commitment to promoting cultural exchange and dialogue between their societies. The two countries share a commitment to advancing the values of tolerance, cultural diversity, women’s empowerment, education, and innovation as important tools for strengthening ties between their peoples.
In October 2019, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja organized an Emirati–Nigerian Arts and Culture Exhibition in Lagos, featuring artists from both countries. The exhibition showcased artworks, musical performances, and traditional dances reflecting the cultural heritage of the two countries, and was attended by the then Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as Guest of Honour. The Embassy has also organized a number of events and seminars addressing women’s empowerment, education, science, technology, and artificial intelligence. Among these initiatives was a virtual seminar on Artificial Intelligence, which brought together H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence of the UAE; H.E. Isa Ali Pantami, then Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria; and H.E. Mohammed Abdullahi, then Minister of State for Science and Technology of Nigeria. The seminar reflected the shared interest of both countries in exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
In recent years, cultural cooperation has expanded to include tourism and creative industries, alongside initiatives aimed at promoting peace and dialogue. In April 2026, the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace organized the “Nigerian Peace Summit” at the House of Lords in London, which focused on supporting community dialogue and promoting coexistence and stability in Nigeria.
This interactive page provides Emirati travelers with personalized travel guidance and essential entry requirements based on their selected destination. Through a user-friendly map interface, travelers can quickly access important information, understand destination-specific regulations and requirements, and prepare confidently for their international journey.
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