The Republic of Chad - UAE Relationships

Diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chad date back to 1973, with Chad among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE. Over more than five decades, relations have developed across political, diplomatic, economic, investment, development, cultural and humanitarian fields.

Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
Relations between the UAE and Chad are marked by continued engagement between the leaderships and officials of both countries, as well as consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest. The first session of the UAE–Chad Joint Committee, held in Abu Dhabi in September 2018, was an important milestone in developing the institutional framework of bilateral relations. It witnessed the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment, and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations.

Continued high-level visits and meetings reflect the development of bilateral relations. On 1 July 2026, H.E. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, paid a working visit to the UAE and met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, development and renewable energy fields, as well as negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

Economic and Investment Cooperation
Economic and investment cooperation has grown significantly in recent years. Bilateral non-oil trade reached USD 2.4 billion in the first half of 2025, an increase of 166% compared with the same period in 2024 and exceeding the approximately USD 2 billion recorded for the whole of 2024.

In November 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum, which witnessed the international launch of Chad’s National Development Plan, “Chad Connection 2030”. The forum resulted in agreements and memoranda of understanding in strategic sectors including energy, agriculture, mining, industry, education and tourism.

This cooperation is supported by the existing legal and economic framework, including agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investment, in addition to the trade agreement and other agreements and memoranda of understanding supporting trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Development and Energy Cooperation
Development cooperation is an important area of bilateral relations. The UAE has supported development programmes and projects in Chad across several sectors. A key milestone was the allocation of USD 150 million through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in support of Chad’s National Development Plan 2017–2021.

Cooperation has also expanded in recent years in renewable energy and infrastructure, including solar energy projects, in support of development efforts and improved access to essential services in Chad.

Health and Humanitarian Cooperation
Health and humanitarian cooperation forms an important part of bilateral relations. The UAE has implemented a number of health and humanitarian initiatives and projects in Chad and supported efforts to address the humanitarian needs of refugees and host communities.

In April 2026, the foundation stone was laid for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital and a dialysis centre in N’Djamena, as part of cooperation in the health sector and efforts to strengthen medical services for the population.

Cultural and Community Cooperation
UAE–Chad cooperation also extends to cultural and community fields and is supported by bilateral frameworks and agreements, including the Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between the UAE and Chad. Relations also include cultural and community initiatives and projects that strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.

• The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chad enjoy strong bilateral relations based on the foundations of friendship, respect and mutual interests. 
• United Arab Emirates has been keen to develop and strengthen joint relations with the Republic of Chad, and has supported development programs and plans, in cooperation with the Chadian government, to achieve Sustainable development in the country.
• The first joint committee between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chad was held in Abu Dhabi in September 2018, and a number of agreements have been signed, including an agreement to avoid double taxation, an investment protection agreement, and political consultations.
• The United Arab Emirates also participated in the round table meeting in Paris and contributed to supporting the national development plan of the Republic of Chad 2017-2021, by allocating an amount of $ 150 million through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
• The United Arab Emirates stressed the importance of strengthening economic and commercial cooperation in all fields to serve the interests of both parties, exploring available investment opportunities, and working to deepen trade and investment ties of the private sector in the two countries.
• The volume of trade exchange between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chad reached about 411 Million US dollars, in 2019.

UAE–Chad cooperation also extends to cultural and community fields and is supported by bilateral frameworks and agreements, including the Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between the UAE and Chad. Relations also include cultural and community initiatives and projects that strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.

Visa and Entry
UAE nationals holding ordinary, diplomatic, special and mission passports are exempt from entry visas to the Republic of Chad in accordance with the arrangements in force between the two countries. The permitted stay is 90 days, and the passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. Travellers are advised to verify the latest entry and residence requirements through official channels before departure. Upon arrival, travellers are also advised to verify any requirement to register their passport with the competent Chadian authorities within 72 hours of entry.

General Advice Before Travel
UAE nationals are advised to register with “Twajudi”, follow travel guidance and alerts issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrange accommodation, reception and transportation in advance, keep copies of important travel documents, and obtain international health insurance covering treatment and medical evacuation where necessary. As card and electronic payment facilities may be limited in some locations, travellers should prepare suitable means of payment and take appropriate precautions when carrying cash.

Safety and Security
Exercise caution when travelling, avoid unnecessary movement at night, stay away from demonstrations, large gatherings and areas of unrest, and safeguard personal belongings. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuables in public. Particular caution is advised when travelling outside N’Djamena, especially to border areas and locations facing security challenges. Check the security situation and any required permits in advance.

Health and Vaccinations
Travellers are advised to obtain comprehensive international health insurance, review health and vaccination requirements before travel, and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria. Yellow fever vaccination and international vaccination certificate requirements should be checked according to the country of departure and travel itinerary. Drink safe water and obtain food from reliable sources.

Local Laws and Regulations
Comply with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Chad and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Do not photograph military or security installations, security personnel, airports, government buildings or other sensitive sites without the required permission. Photography in certain locations may require prior authorisation. Seek permission before photographing individuals and respect their privacy and local customs.

Customs and Cash
Travellers may carry cash up to the equivalent of CFAF 5,000,000 without declaration. Amounts exceeding this threshold, whether in CFA francs or foreign currency, must be declared to the competent customs authorities in accordance with CEMAC foreign-exchange regulations. Travellers are advised to retain evidence of the source of funds and customs declarations where applicable and to comply with rules governing valuables and prohibited or restricted goods.

Driving and Transportation
Use reliable transportation and arrange journeys in advance, particularly for airport transfers and travel outside N’Djamena. Before driving, verify the requirements for recognised driving licences, vehicle documentation and insurance, and comply with local traffic rules and instructions.

Customs and Traditions
Chadian society is culturally and religiously diverse. Travellers are advised to respect local customs and traditions, dress and behave modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites and local communities, and observe local customs during religious and national occasions.

Public Holidays in the Republic of Chad – 2026

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• 8 March: International Women’s Day
• 9 March: Holiday following International Women’s Day
• 20 March: Eid Al-Fitr
• 6 April: Easter Monday
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 27 May: Eid Al-Adha
• 11 August: Independence Day
• 25 August: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day
• 2 November: Holiday following All Saints’ Day
• 28 November: Republic Day
• 1 December: Freedom and Democracy Day
• 25 December: Christmas Day

Note: Dates of religious holidays and observances may change in accordance with official announcements by the competent authorities in the Republic of Chad.

Emergencies
In an emergency, UAE nationals are advised to contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in N’Djamena, follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ instructions, and use the designated emergency channels for UAE nationals abroad.