Economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Maldives continues to expand across trade, investment, infrastructure, tourism, aviation, renewable energy, food security, and financial services. The UAE is the Maldives' second-largest trading partner and was its leading source of imports in 2024. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached US$589.15 million in 2025.
The UAE also plays a key role in supporting the Maldives' development agenda through institutional cooperation, most notably the UAE–Maldives Joint Committee, established in 2019, and through the contributions of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to strategic infrastructure projects, including the development of Maafaru International Airport and the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport. The two countries are also exploring the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), further supported by 42 direct weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah with Malé.
