The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Africa enjoy a strong and steadily evolving partnership underpinned by close political, economic, and investment ties. Bilateral relations have continued to deepen through regular high-level exchanges and constructive cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The two countries also work closely in regional and multilateral forums, including BRICS, the New Development Bank, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, and the United Nations, providing a platform for coordinating positions on issues of mutual interest and supporting each other's candidacies for international leadership roles. The UAE's observer status at the African Union, together with South Africa's membership in the organization, further creates promising opportunities for cooperation in the fields of peace, security, and sustainable development across the African continent.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1994 following the inauguration of the late President Nelson Mandela. South Africa subsequently opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in January 1995 and its Consulate General in Dubai in 1999. Reflecting the strength of bilateral relations, UAE nationals holding ordinary passports have enjoyed visa-free travel to South Africa since August 2019. In June 2026, the United Arab Emirates further facilitated travel by expanding its visa-on-arrival policy to include South African ordinary passport holders who hold valid residence permits issued by the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
The strength of the bilateral relationship is further reflected in the exchange of high-level visits. Notable milestones include the participation of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa in COP28 in 2023 and the visit of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to the UAE in April 2024. During South Africa's G20 Presidency, the United Arab Emirates was invited to participate in the Group's activities throughout 2025, during which the UAE announced the launch of the UAE–Africa Artificial Intelligence Development Initiative, valued at USD 1 billion. This positive momentum culminated in the official visit of H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa to the United Arab Emirates in January 2026 to participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, reaffirming both countries' shared commitment to advancing their strategic partnership.
Economic cooperation is one of the defining pillars of the partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Africa. The two countries continue to expand trade, investment, and private sector cooperation, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity. The UAE is South Africa's largest trading partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while South Africa is the UAE's second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Bilateral trade continues to grow steadily. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2024, representing a 14% increase compared to 2023 and growth of 120% compared to 2019. This positive momentum continued during the first half of 2025, when non-oil trade totaled approximately USD 3.93 billion. Investment cooperation has also expanded significantly, with UAE investments in South Africa exceeding USD 2.5 billion during the first half of 2026, while South African foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UAE surpassed USD 800 million over the same period.
As economic cooperation continues to expand, both countries are creating new opportunities for investors and businesses across sectors of mutual interest, including agriculture, logistics, financial technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, renewable energy, the digital economy, mining, healthcare, and education. Reflecting this momentum, Dubai Chambers organized a trade mission to South Africa under the theme "New Horizons" during the first half of 2026, with the support of the UAE Embassy in Pretoria. The mission brought together representatives of 24 Dubai-based companies and facilitated 674 business meetings with South African counterparts. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, 873 South African companies were registered as active members of Dubai Chambers.
The strength of the economic partnership is further reflected in a growing portfolio of landmark investments and commercial projects. In November 2025, Optasia became the first UAE company to be listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, marking the largest fintech initial public offering in Africa. During the South Africa Investment Conference 2026, DP World announced an investment of approximately USD 80 million in logistics, ports, and infrastructure projects. Jumeirah Group entered into a strategic partnership with Thanda Group to develop two tourism destinations in Tanzania and South Africa. Space42 launched services through the Thuraya 4 satellite, while e& expanded its presence by opening a wholesale services office in South Africa.
The UAE's economic engagement also extends beyond South Africa to the broader region. DP World inaugurated a state-of-the-art cold chain distribution facility in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Al Baddad Holding launched the Botswana New City project with an investment of USD 1.9 billion, while Malaffi announced a strategic investment of USD 1.5 billion to support the digital transformation of Botswana's national healthcare system. In addition, International Resources Holding acquired a majority stake in Alphamin Resources in a transaction valued at USD 367 million, further reinforcing the UAE's long-term investment footprint across the region.
UAE-South Africa Cultural Relations
• The cultural relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa are vibrant and enriching, marked by mutual appreciation and exchange.
• Both countries engage in various cultural initiatives, enhancing their strong ties through art, music, and film.
• Youth engagement programs further strengthen these bonds, promoting camaraderie and friendship.
• Through embassy events and community initiatives, the UAE and South Africa continue to celebrate and deepen their cultural connections, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
This interactive page provides Emirati travelers with personalized travel guidance and essential entry requirements based on their selected destination. Through a user-friendly map interface, travelers can quickly access important information, understand destination-specific regulations and requirements, and prepare confidently for their international journey.
- View destination-specific visa and entry requirements.
- Access the latest travel guidance and important alerts.
- Review passport, health, and required documentation requirements.
- Prepare for international travel using reliable and relevant guidance.
This interactive page provides non-UAE citizens with clear and accessible information about visa requirements for entering the United Arab Emirates. Users can search for their country or nationality and quickly determine whether they are eligible for visa-free entry or are required to obtain a visa before travelling, helping them plan their visit and complete the necessary arrangements in advance.
- Search for visa information by country or nationality.
- Check whether entry to the UAE is visa-free or requires a visa.
- View country-specific visa eligibility information.
- Prepare the required travel and visa arrangements before departure.
