Saudi Arabia - UAE Relationships

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a long-standing and deeply rooted relationship founded on close historical ties, shared values, and a common destiny. Over the years, these bonds have evolved into a distinctive model of brotherly relations, underpinned by mutual respect, good-neighborly relations, and shared interests. The depth and strength of the ties between the two countries stand as an exemplary model of enduring partnership and close cooperation.

The strong historical ties between the two countries and their peoples are reflected in the broad convergence of their positions on a wide range of regional and international issues. The UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to work closely together and coordinate their efforts on matters of mutual interest and on key regional and international challenges.

In recent years, bilateral relations have witnessed significant and wide-ranging development across the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. This progress has been driven by the vision and steadfast support of the leadership of both countries, which has consistently sought to deepen cooperation and advance the shared interests of the two nations.

The foundations of this enduring relationship were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose commitment to strengthening coordination, cooperation, and mutual understanding established a strong foundation for the close relations that continue to flourish between the two countries.

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as well as His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, bilateral relations have continued to advance across all fields. This sustained progress reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation on the basis of mutual understanding, joint action, and shared interests.

Over the decades, the close partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has also been a cornerstone of security and stability in the Gulf and the wider Arab region. The alignment of their positions on major regional issues, coupled with their close coordination and constructive cooperation, continues to contribute significantly to regional security, stability, and collective interests.

1. The UAE as a Key Trading Partner
The economic and trade relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents the largest bilateral relationship among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The UAE is also one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant trading partners. In 2025, the UAE maintained its position as a key trading partner of Saudi Arabia, accounting for 10% of the Kingdom’s total merchandise exports, ranking second only to China. The UAE also ranked third among Saudi Arabia’s largest sources of merchandise imports, accounting for 5.7% of the Kingdom’s total merchandise imports.

2. Bilateral Trade and Investment
Economic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continued to demonstrate strong momentum. In April 2026, Saudi exports to the UAE reached SAR 10.8 billion, while imports from the UAE totaled SAR 6.0 billion, resulting in a trade 
surplus of SAR 4.8 billion. In addition, the stock of UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia reached SAR 161.3 billion by the end of 2024, reflecting the resilience of bilateral trade and investment relations.

3. Trade Composition
In April 2026, machinery, electrical equipment and parts, as well as ships, boats, and floating structures, constituted Saudi Arabia’s principal exports to the UAE. 
Meanwhile, pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, coins, and mineral fuels, oils, and waxes were the Kingdom’s principal imports from the UAE, highlighting the diversified structure of bilateral trade.

4. Financial Cooperation
In February 2025, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates signed a Financial Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening coordination on fiscal policies, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and enhancing investment cooperation, reflecting the continued advancement of bilateral economic and financial relations.

5. Leadership in Mergers and Acquisitions
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates accounted for the largest share of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Middle East during 2026, reflecting the continued dynamism of their investment markets and reinforcing their positions as leading regional hubs for attracting capital and executing strategic transactions.

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share a deep-rooted and enduring relationship, founded on strong bonds of trust, cooperation, and a shared destiny. Its foundations were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may they rest in peace. Since then, the relationship has continued to deepen and evolve, developing into a distinguished model of close and enduring relations between two nations, underpinned by shared history, common values, and the strong cultural ties between their peoples. This longstanding relationship continues to enjoy the close attention and steadfast support of the leadership of both countries, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This reflects the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthening cooperation across a broad range of fields, advancing sustainable development, and investing in people as a cornerstone of building a prosperous and sustainable future. 

Cultural cooperation is a key pillar of this strategic partnership. The two countries continue to pursue a diverse range of cultural initiatives and programmes that showcase their rich heritage, foster creativity, and promote cultural and intellectual exchange. These efforts reflect the dynamic and growing cultural landscape of both the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two countries also remain committed to active participation in cultural events and initiatives held in both countries. This continued engagement has broadened the scope of cooperation, facilitated the exchange of expertise, and supported the development of impactful initiatives that have strengthened the cultural presence of the UAE and Saudi Arabia at both the regional and international levels. It has also reinforced their standing as a leading example of constructive, meaningful, and forward-looking cultural cooperation.

Travel Guidelines for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Travellers should always carry a copy of their passport or national identity card.
• Please ensure that you have all the required travel documents and sufficient funds for your trip.
• Please contact your bank to confirm that your bank cards will be accepted and operational during your stay abroad.
• Please register for the Tawajudi service.
• For enquiries regarding applicable laws and guidelines, please contact the Mission of the United Arab Emirates.
• To apply for a permit to return camels and grazing livestock owned by non-Saudi nationals, please visit the website of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture: https://naama.sa
• Please check the requirements for issuing domestic worker visas well in advance of your travel date.
• Comply with traffic laws and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
• Ensure that you verify all health requirements applicable to your intended destination before travelling.
• For information about the Kingdom, including travel guides, events and major attractions, please visit the Saudi Tourism Authority website: https://www.visitsaudi.com
• Please comply with the laws and regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Photographing military areas and police personnel is prohibited by law.
• Please ensure that accompanying domestic workers leave the Kingdom before their entry visas expire. Overstaying the permitted period may result in a fine of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
• Travellers must declare any cash, precious metals or valuable gemstones in their possession if the amounts exceed the applicable threshold stipulated under the customs regulations of the destination country.
• Vehicle entry requirements: Travellers entering the Kingdom by vehicle must carry the vehicle's original registration document, which must be valid. The driver must be the vehicle owner or carry a valid international authorisation issued by the owner authorising the driver to take the vehicle across the customs border. If a UAE national intends to transit through Saudi Arabia to another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, this must be explicitly stated in the authorisation.
• Vehicles must be insured before entering Saudi Arabian territory.
• For customs laws and regulations, please visit the following link: https://zatca.gov.sa/ar/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/default.aspx
• Please ensure that GCC-registered vehicles do not remain in the Kingdom for more than 90 days within any 365-day period, in order to avoid traffic violations and the penalties prescribed under the applicable Traffic Law. An extension may be requested from the Ministry of Interior before the permitted period expires.

Customs Declaration Requirements

Travellers entering or leaving the Kingdom through air, land or sea ports must declare the following items if they are carrying them:

• Gold, precious metals, gemstones and jewellery: Travellers entering or leaving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must make a customs declaration if they are carrying gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones or jewellery with a total value of SAR 40,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency). A purchase invoice must be provided as proof of value upon request.
• Commercial quantities of goods: Any luggage, gifts or samples in commercial quantities, or in quantities exceeding personal use, with a value exceeding SAR 3,000 (or the equivalent in another currency).
• Tobacco products: Any tobacco products exceeding 200 cigarettes or 500 grams in quantity.
• Restricted items: Any restricted items requiring approval from the competent authorities, including medicines and drones.

Health Guidelines

• Healthcare services are available throughout the Kingdom.
• Hospitals and clinics in major cities are fully equipped.
• All hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are licensed by the Ministry of Health.
• To apply for a permit to import or carry restricted medicines for personal use, patients travelling to or from the Kingdom, or their authorised representatives, must submit an
• application through the electronic Controlled Drugs System (CDS) platform using the following link: https://cds.sfda.gov.sa
• For instructions on how to apply for the permit, please refer to the accompanying illustrative image. 

General Travel Guidelines

• To ensure your safety and in the interest of protecting the health of Umrah pilgrims and Hajj pilgrims, the health authorities within the country advise you to receive all required primary vaccinations, particularly the influenza vaccine, before travelling to perform Umrah or Hajj. Please note that proof of influenza vaccination must be presented when departing through the country's departure ports.

Regulations for the Hajj Season

•  Before travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an Umrah permit must be obtained through the “Nusuk” platform to enter Makkah during the period commencing on 25 Shawwal 1447 AH, corresponding to 13 April 2026. The final date for departure is 1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 18 April 2026.
• The issuance of Umrah permits through the “Nusuk” platform will be suspended from 1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 18 April 2026, until 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to 31 May 2026.

Hajj Season 1447 AH: Instructions and Guidelines

• To view the instructions and guidelines for the Hajj season, please download the document using the following link:
  https://www.mofa.gov.ae/-/media/Feature/News/files/instructions-and-guidelines-for-hajj-1447ah-AR.pdf
  

Umrah Pilgrim Guide

• To ensure your safety and provide a safe and healthy experience while performing Umrah, pilgrims are advised to receive the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACYW-135) at least 10 days before travelling.
• To book Umrah packages and visits, you may register through the unified government platform, “Nusuk”, using the following link: https://www.nusuk.sa/ar
• If you wish to obtain an Umrah permit to avoid delays and ensure timely arrival, please visit the following link to learn about the registration steps:
  https://www.mofa.gov.ae/-/media/2024/3/Steps-to-obtain-the-permit.pdf?la=en&hash=5DD705CEB3852D3880F766CA38156770
• Certain entrances have been designated for worshippers, while others are reserved exclusively for Umrah pilgrims. You can view the designated entrances through the following link:
  https://www.mofa.gov.ae/-/media/2024/3/Doors-designated-for-worshipers.pdf?la=en&hash=AA229C95255FB778472E74A0B251D968