The Republic of Chile - UAE Relationships

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chile enjoy longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Relations have developed steadily since diplomatic ties were established in June 1978. Chile opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2009, becoming the first Chilean diplomatic mission in the Arabian Gulf region, followed by the opening of the UAE Embassy in Santiago in 2011.

Bilateral relations have gained further momentum through exchanges of high-level visits. The official visits of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Chile in 2019 and 2023 helped strengthen political dialogue and advance economic cooperation.

The official visit of H.E. Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile, to the UAE in July 2024 marked a significant milestone as the first visit by a Chilean president to the country. During the visit, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), opening up broader opportunities for trade and investment, strengthening their economic partnership, and supporting the continued growth of bilateral cooperation.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chile enjoy growing economic and trade relations, supported by complementary economic strengths and a shared commitment to expanding trade and investment. The UAE is Chile’s leading trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa. Bilateral non-oil trade has grown significantly in recent years, increasing by 45.6% in 2025 to reach USD 392.6 million. This growth reflects the momentum of the economic partnership and the opportunities to further expand trade and investment.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in July 2024 and entering into force in late 2025, represents a major milestone in economic cooperation. As Chile’s first trade agreement with a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, it provides a comprehensive framework to promote trade and investment and facilitate market access for goods and services, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Chile’s main exports to the UAE include fresh fruit, salmon, agricultural products, timber, and minerals. UAE exports to Chile include electronic and technological equipment, industrial products, and logistics services. Both countries continue to explore opportunities for partnership and investment in strategic sectors, including food security, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, and innovation, helping to diversify economic ties and broaden their partnership.

Cultural cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Chile reflects a shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding cultural and knowledge exchanges.

Since its opening in 2011, the UAE Embassy in Santiago has played an active role in supporting this cooperation by organizing and participating in a wide range of cultural initiatives and activities. These efforts introduce audiences to Emirati culture and heritage, encourage cultural dialogue, and support initiatives that promote mutual understanding and knowledge exchange. Together, they help build lasting cultural bridges and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and their peoples.

1. UAE nationals do not require a visa in advance to visit the Republic of Chile and may enter with a valid passport, subject to the applicable entry requirements. The UAE Embassy in Santiago recommends checking entry requirements and passport validity requirements before traveling.

2. Chile stretches for more than 4,300 kilometers along the western coast of South America and offers remarkable geographical and climatic diversity. Its landscapes include the Atacama Desert in the north, the Andes Mountains, and the lakes and glaciers of Patagonia in the south. Easter Island is also one of the country’s leading tourist and cultural destinations.

3. Chile has diverse natural resources and an economy supported by sectors including mining, agriculture, and fisheries. It exports fresh fruit, salmon, and strategic minerals, and is home to several world-class astronomical observatories, benefiting from favorable conditions for astronomical observation in parts of the country.

4. UAE nationals are advised to register for the Twajudi service through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or smart application before traveling, enabling the Ministry to provide support and assistance when needed, particularly during emergencies and crises. Travelers should also follow the Ministry’s destination-specific travel guidance and alerts, available on its website and smart application, as well as advisories issued by local authorities during their stay.

5. Travelers are advised to obtain suitable travel insurance covering their entire stay, including medical treatment and emergencies, and to keep copies of their passports and important travel documents in a safe place.

6. Travelers should comply with local laws and regulations and monitor weather conditions and official alerts when traveling between regions, particularly in mountainous and remote areas, given the considerable variations in Chile’s climate and geography.

7. UAE nationals requiring emergency support can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around the clock on the dedicated emergency number for UAE nationals abroad: 0097180024. They may also contact the UAE Embassy in Santiago for consular assistance.