The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy strong and growing bilateral relations, with ties dating back to 1972 and formal diplomatic relations established in 1975. Over the years, cooperation has expanded significantly across the economy, investment, energy, education, defense, the environment, technology, government development, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and other areas of shared interest.
UAE–Finland relations are supported by a comprehensive legal and institutional framework developed over several decades. This began with the Agreement on Economic, Industrial and Technical Cooperation signed in 1982, followed by agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments in 1996. Subsequent agreements and memoranda of understanding covered defense cooperation in 2007; visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports in 2009; combating money laundering in 2010; the environment and air services in 2013; the exchange of information on tax matters and smart learning in 2016; and training and cooperation on aviation accidents in 2017.
This framework expanded further to include higher education and political consultations in 2021, and energy in 2022. Cooperation in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and knowledge exchange also developed through memoranda of understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and both CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and Finn Church Aid.
At the institutional level, the first meeting of the Joint Committee between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, held on January 27, 2021, marked an important milestone in coordinating bilateral cooperation. The first round of political consultations between the two ministries followed on November 17, 2022, strengthening dialogue and coordination on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. In November 2024, Helsinki hosted the second session of the UAE–Finland Joint Committee alongside a UAE trade mission to Finland, helping broaden economic, trade, and investment partnerships.
Political and diplomatic engagement also continued through the Helsinki Policy Forum Steering Group meeting in Abu Dhabi in December 2024. Attended by H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, then Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, the meeting reflected growing engagement between institutions working in policy, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in both countries.
Bilateral relations gained further momentum in 2025 as the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations through high-level visits, cultural events, and joint initiatives. The institutional framework was strengthened through a memorandum of understanding between the UAE and Finland’s Ministry of Finance to exchange expertise in government development and modernization. A further memorandum of understanding between the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and the Lahti region promoted knowledge exchange and innovation in the circular economy, sustainable materials, environmentally friendly technologies, startups, research and development, waste management, recycling, green buildings, and sustainable construction. The UAE Ministry of Investment and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health also signed a letter of intent to advance investment cooperation in healthcare and life sciences.
The visit of H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, to the UAE in January 2025 further strengthened bilateral ties. During the visit, he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and other senior government leaders. In March 2025, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Finland, where he met with H.E. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland; H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs; and other senior government officials.
Another significant milestone in 2025 was the official visit of H.E. President Alexander Stubb to the UAE in November. He was received by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in key sectors supporting development, including the economy, trade, education, technology, space, and innovation.
During the two-day visit, President Stubb also held productive discussions with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; and H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. These high-level meetings reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation, and developing partnerships in strategic sectors.
Cooperation continued in 2026 through political dialogue and exchanges of government expertise. In June, H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, participated in the Kultaranta Talks in Naantali. In October, the two governments organized the Government Experience Exchange Forum in Helsinki, bringing together senior officials and experts from both countries. Participants included H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, and H.E. Mohammed bin Taliah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Services in the UAE. The forum focused on advancing knowledge exchange and cooperation in government modernization and development.
