The diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia, established in 1976, reflect a distinguished partnership founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and constructive cooperation. The two countries maintain close coordination within regional and multilateral organizations on a range of regional and international issues, particularly those related to sustainable development, peacebuilding, and addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.
In recent years, bilateral relations have continued to expand across a wide range of sectors. A significant milestone was the entry into force of the mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports, which has facilitated travel between the two countries while promoting tourism, trade, and investment.
The growing partnership was further strengthened by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to elevate bilateral trade and investment to new levels and support sustainable economic growth in both countries. In addition, the launch of direct flights between Dubai and Bogotá on June 6, 2024, marked another strategic milestone, enhancing air connectivity, facilitating the movement of people and goods, expanding tourism and commercial exchanges, and creating new investment opportunities. With this development, Bogotá became the UAE’s fourth gateway in South America.
The United Arab Emirates and Colombia attach great importance to developing their trade and economic relations. The UAE is one of the world’s leading commercial and financial hubs, hosting numerous international companies, including Colombian firms seeking to expand into markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Conversely, Colombia is the fourth-largest economy in South America, endowed with rich biodiversity and a highly skilled human capital base, enhancing its capacity to attract Emirati investments.
The UAE and Colombia share a common vision regarding the transition to clean energy, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and artificial intelligence. There is also mutual interest in food security and investing in opportunities within renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors. These areas offer promising opportunities for bilateral cooperation. On December 5, 2023, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of the UAE for International Cooperation, and His Excellency Álvaro Leyva, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the minutes of the second session of the UAE-Colombia Joint Economic Committee, held at Expo City Dubai on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
In April 2024, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Germán Umaña, Colombia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism. The agreement was signed virtually, attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Excellency Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia. The agreement received significant attention from Colombian media, which highlighted its role in strengthening cooperation between the two friendly countries, advancing their growing economic relations, and establishing strong alliances to boost economic growth and support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Colombia. Furthermore, the agreement opens new avenues for collaboration in key sectors such as food security, renewable energy, and more.
Economic relations between Colombia and the UAE are witnessing remarkable growth, driven by a shared desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation. This collaboration spans various sectors including trade, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure. Bilateral trade and mutual investments are expected to grow significantly in the coming years, supported by aligned economic interests and the opening of new logistical and financial channels.
Cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia continues to expand across the cultural, educational, scientific, and academic sectors, reflecting the two countries' shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and people-to-people ties.
This partnership has been reinforced through a range of joint cultural initiatives and academic collaboration, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the UAE and the Augusto Ramírez Ocampo Diplomatic Academy in Colombia.
The agreement aims to strengthen academic cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise in diplomacy, and enhance the training and development of diplomats in both countries, laying the foundation for a sustainable institutional and knowledge-based partnership.
In 2024, bilateral cooperation expanded into the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The two countries signed a cooperation agreement to promote the adoption of AI solutions across multiple sectors, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and advance innovation.
The partnership also includes the implementation of the Digital School initiative through the launch of a new digital learning platform designed to support the future of education and contribute to the modernization of Colombia's education system through the integration of digital technologies.
In February 2025, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, the UAE and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding under the Government Knowledge Exchange Program to promote the exchange of expertise in government development and modernization.
The agreement marked a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two countries, focusing on national agenda implementation, government capacity building, the adoption of artificial intelligence, the exchange of best practices, and the development of education and training programs.
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.
