The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy growing economic and trade relations, supported by a shared commitment to expanding trade and investment and exploring opportunities in priority sectors. These include technology, advanced industries, energy, sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation.
With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and global transport, logistics, and communications networks, the UAE provides an important platform for Finnish companies seeking access to 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 USD 579 million in 2025, with the UAE remaining Finland’s largest trading partner in the Gulf for both exports and imports for the fifth consecutive year. Between 2024 and 2025, UAE exports to Finland increased by 87.78%, re-exports by 3.9%, and imports from Finland by 53.97%. Total non-oil trade grew by 53.91%, reflecting the continued expansion of trade between the two countries.
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 supported economic and trade cooperation and helped 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 inaugural meeting in November 2024, providing a platform to strengthen private-sector engagement and support trade and investment partnerships.
During his visit to the UAE in January 2025, H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, delivered a keynote address at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He also met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, as well as key stakeholders in the energy and aviation sectors. The Prime Minister and his accompanying business delegation held discussions with the leadership of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The visit also included the second meeting of the UAE–Finland Business Council.
That same month, H.E. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security, visited the UAE with a business delegation to explore partnerships in healthcare and innovation. In February, H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, attended the World Governments Summit and met with several UAE ministers.
During President Alexander Stubb’s visit to the UAE in November 2025, the UAE Ministry of Investment and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health signed a letter of intent on investment cooperation in healthcare and life sciences. Additional agreements were signed between VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and the Finnish company Unikie, as well as agreements involving Red Diamond Group, Regal Group, and Temet.
Three economic delegations to Helsinki, led by H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, in April and September 2025 and August 2026, further strengthened bilateral cooperation. The visits focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies.
Air connectivity reached a significant milestone on October 1, 2026, when Emirates launched daily, year-round direct flights between Dubai and Helsinki. The new route opened further opportunities for economic cooperation and strengthened connections between the two countries. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to facilitate business and leisure travel and the movement of cargo, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism while deepening economic and people-to-people ties.
