The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Latvia share steadily growing bilateral relations spanning three decades, during which cooperation has continued to expand across various fields, supported by high-level visits and coordination in international forums. In 2025, the two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The same year also saw the convening of the third session of the UAE–Latvia Joint Economic Committee in Abu Dhabi, alongside the UAE–Latvia Business Forum, contributing to stronger economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Direct flydubai services between Dubai and Riga were also launched, complementing existing airBaltic flights.
In 2025 and 2026, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Evika Siliņa led official visits to the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by ministerial and business delegations, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation, increasing trade, and attracting investment. During these visits, she met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The Prime Minister also met with several UAE ministers, including H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, and H.E. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, as well as senior private-sector representatives. Discussions focused on advancing cooperation in energy, innovation, digital technologies, logistics, port infrastructure, and healthcare.
Bilateral trade has recorded strong growth in recent years. Total trade increased from approximately USD 63.4 million in 2022 to USD 127.4 million in 2023, before reaching approximately USD 132 million in 2024. Non-oil trade between the two countries totaled approximately USD 103 million in 2024 and continued its upward trajectory, reaching around USD 66.7 million during the first nine months of 2025. The UAE's principal exports to Latvia include mineral products and chemical goods, while Latvia's main exports to the UAE comprise machinery, electrical equipment, and optical instruments, including medical devices.
UAE investment in Latvia also expanded significantly, rising to approximately USD 122 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with approximately USD 51 million at the end of 2024. By mid-2025, the UAE's cumulative foreign direct investment stock in Latvia had reached approximately USD 125 million. The two countries have also adopted a comprehensive economic cooperation program covering six priority areas: trade and investment, innovation and advanced technology, transport and logistics, agriculture, food security, and education and science.
Since the establishment of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Latvia in 2017, the Embassy has actively promoted cultural exchange and community engagement as part of its commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. In this context, it has partnered with a number of local institutions and organizations, including the Marta Centre for Women, the Radio Marathon charity initiatives, and the International Women's Club of Riga. The Embassy also regularly participates in the annual Christmas Charity Bazaar and the Jūrmala Festival, where the UAE cultural pavilion introduces Latvian audiences to the country's rich heritage, customs, and traditions.
The Embassy's community and cultural engagement has also extended to humanitarian initiatives through close cooperation with non-governmental organizations supporting vulnerable groups. These efforts have included partnerships with the Smiltene Red Cross Hospital and its elderly care department, the children's home for children with special needs in Liepāja, contributions to the renovation of the Youth Centre in Rēzekne, and participation in national environmental campaigns such as the Great Cleanup, helping to promote environmental awareness and conservation across Latvia.
In the fields of education and culture, the Embassy has supported the Latvian Institute in publishing informational materials about Latvia in Arabic, donated books to the National Library of Latvia and the Academic Library of the University of Latvia, and participated in International Days at the International School of Riga to showcase Emirati culture. The Embassy has also contributed to organizing an Arabic language speaking competition in cooperation with the University of Latvia.
As part of its efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen people-to-people ties through sport, the Embassy supported the Latvian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation in organizing the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Latvia. It has also participated in the annual Riga Marathon since 2017 and provided support to Latvia's Special Olympics team. In the healthcare sector, the Embassy has contributed to several initiatives, including the donation of medical equipment to the Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga and support for the "Live Healthy" program in the Municipality of Jēkabpils.
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.
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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.
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