The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy growing economic and trade relations, supported by a shared interest in expanding trade and investment and exploring opportunities in priority sectors, particularly technology, advanced industries, energy, sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation. With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and global transport, logistics, and telecommunications networks, the UAE provides an important platform for Finnish companies to access regional and international markets. In May 2022, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to develop technical and economic cooperation in the energy sector and enhance market access. In 2023, Nokia announced the launch of an Open Innovation Lab in Dubai to support regional innovation and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in network automation.
Bilateral trade reached approximately EUR 692 million in 2023, making the UAE Finland’s largest partner for exports and imports in the Gulf region. Between 2021 and 2023, exports increased by 89%, re-exports by 151%, and imports by 36%, while non-oil trade grew by 22%, reflecting the continued expansion of bilateral trade. Around 70 Finnish companies operate in the UAE, while approximately six Emirati companies operate in Finland.
At the institutional level, the first session of the UAE–Finland Joint Committee in January 2021 and its second session in Helsinki in November 2024 helped advance economic and trade cooperation and identify new opportunities for both business communities. In December 2023, the two sides agreed to work toward establishing a joint business council. The UAE–Finland Business Council held its first meeting in November 2024, providing a platform to strengthen private sector engagement and support trade and investment partnerships.
The partnership gained further momentum in 2025, when H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, leading a trade delegation. H.E. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security, also visited the UAE with a business delegation to explore partnerships in healthcare and innovation. H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, participated in the World Governments Summit, while H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, led two economic missions to Helsinki in April and September 2025 to explore cooperation in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies.
Expanding air connectivity also supports trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries. In January 2026, Emirates announced the launch of a daily direct service between Dubai and Helsinki, scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026. The service will facilitate the movement of business travelers, passengers, and cargo, strengthening economic and tourism ties and people-to-people connections.
