The Republic of Colombia - UAE Relationships

The diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia represent a leading model of constructive cooperation and balanced partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Since the establishment of official ties between the two countries in 1976, efforts have been made to develop and deepen these relations across various fields, contributing to the consolidation of a solid strategic partnership characterized by continuity and clarity of vision.

In recent years, bilateral relations have witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, with Colombia emerging as one of the UAE’s promising economic partners in the Latin American region. Conversely, Colombia views the United Arab Emirates as a global economic gateway and a strategic hub for expanding into the markets of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, thereby enhancing the prospects for economic integration and cooperation between the two sides.

In this context, the inauguration of the direct flight route between Dubai and the Colombian capital, Bogotá, on June 6, 2024, marked a significant strategic step in strengthening bilateral relations. This milestone has contributed to enhancing air connectivity between the two countries, facilitating the movement of people, boosting trade and tourism exchange, and creating new investment opportunities. With this development, Colombia has become Emirates Airlines’ fourth gateway in South America.

The agreement on mutual exemption from entry visas for holders of ordinary passports signed between the two friendly countries in 2019 is considered one of the most prominent fruits of this rapprochement, as it contributes to facilitating the movement of citizens between the two countries, promoting tourism, and encouraging trade and investment exchange, which reflects the level of mutual trust and common keenness to Expanding horizons of cooperation.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was officially signed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia on April 18, 2024, with the aim of elevating trade and investment relations to broader horizons that achieve mutual economic growth in both countries. This landmark agreement is the first of its kind that Colombia has concluded with a country in the Middle East region.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia continue to coordinate closely within multilateral forums and organizations, reflecting their aligned views on a number of regional and international issues, particularly in areas related to supporting development efforts, promoting peace, and addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.

UAE-Colombia relations represent an advanced model of bilateral ties that combine economic interests, political understanding, and cultural affinity. These foundations provide a solid basis for a sustainable and fruitful partnership that serves the aspirations of both countries and contributes to promoting stability and prosperity at both the regional and international levels.

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, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia 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 the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and the then Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia. The agreement was signed virtually, attended by the President of the UAE and the 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.

As part of the growing bilateral agenda, on September 11, 2025, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates, the Colombian Space Agency (AEC), and the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca (CAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in space science and technology. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across key areas including scientific research, innovation, knowledge transfer, and data exchange, with particular emphasis on the use of space technologies for the sustainable management of natural resources, reflecting the depth and diversification that relations between the two nations have achieved.

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.

The cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Colombia in the cultural and scientific fields continues to grow steadily, with joint cultural events and academic and knowledge exchanges contributing to enhanced mutual understanding and stronger civilizational ties between the two peoples. A key milestone in this collaboration was the signing of the Agreement on Cultural, Educational, and Sports Cooperation between the two countries on February 9, 2016—an important step that reflects their shared commitment to advancing relations in the fields of culture, education, and sports.

In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the United Arab Emirates and the Augusto Ramírez Ocampo Diplomatic Academy in Colombia.

The agreement aims to strengthen academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of diplomacy, including the training of diplomatic personnel.
In 2024, a cooperation agreement was signed between the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Ex-Minister of Colombia of Information and Communications Technology. The agreement seeks to promote the use of artificial intelligence across various sectors and to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in this field. The two ministers also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to activate the Digital School initiative by launching a new digital learning platform that paves the way for the development of future education through modern technologies. This initiative aims to support the transformation of Colombia’s education system by integrating digital media, ultimately benefiting vulnerable communities and offering them greater learning opportunities.

Within the framework of the World Government Summit held in February 2025,  the Ex-Minister of Colombia’s of Foreign Affairs, and Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange in the UAE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange expertise in the field of government development and modernization. This initiative aims to inaugurate a new phase of government transformation between the two friendly countries through the Government Knowledge Exchange Program. The strategic partnership includes activating the national agenda, building governmental capacities, artificial intelligence, sharing best practices, and implementing educational programs.

Key Milestones in Colombia–United Arab Emirates Relations - English 

• February 8, 2016 – Bogotá: The Joint Cooperation Committee was established, creating a mechanism aimed at strengthening and promoting trade relations and cooperation between Colombia and the United Arab Emirates.
• February 10, 2016 – Bogotá/Cartagena: Then-Minister of Foreign Affairs María Ángela Holguín received the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also held an official meeting with President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos.
• March 21, 2017 – Bogotá: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Patti Londoño met with Mohammed Al Sayed Sharaf, UAE Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
  July 14, 2017 – Bogotá: Colombia welcomed the official visit of Ohood Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Happiness, as part of the institutional exchanges between the two countries.
• November 11, 2017 – Abu Dhabi/Dubai: President Juan Manuel Santos paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. During the visit, the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation were signed.
• January 30 – February 1, 2018 – Bogotá: UAE Minister of Education Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi visited Colombia to strengthen cooperation in the field of education.
• November 14, 2018 – Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo conducted an official visit to the UAE, where he met with senior government officials and representatives of institutions involved in investment, economic development, and renewable energy. He also visited the facilities of Expo 2020 Dubai alongside Emirati authorities.
• March 14, 2019 – Bogotá: Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to Colombia. As a result of this meeting, a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports and a Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable and efficient agricultural cooperation were signed.
• December 15, 2019 – Abu Dhabi: The second meeting of the political consultation mechanism between Colombia and the UAE was held, led by Foreign Minister Claudia Blum and Minister of State Anwar Gargash.
• February 10, 2020 – Abu Dhabi: Colombia’s Minister of Housing participated in the 10th World Urban Forum, held in the UAE capital.
• November 4–6, 2021 – Abu Dhabi/Dubai: President Iván Duque carried out a State Visit to the United Arab Emirates aimed at strengthening political and economic ties between the two nations.
• January 21, 2022 – Bogotá: The Augusto Ramírez Ocampo Diplomatic Academy hosted the conference “The Leadership of the United Arab Emirates in the Arab Gulf and the Diplomatic Training of the Future,” delivered by Bernardino León, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
• March 28–30, 2022 – Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez paid an official visit to the UAE, participating in international events such as the World Government Summit and the Annual Investment Meeting.
• January 13–15, 2023 – United Arab Emirates: Minister of Mines and Energy Irene Vélez attended the 13th IRENA Assembly. Following the event, discussions were initiated on developing a joint roadmap for energy transition and hydrogen projects in preparation for COP28.
• June 8–9, 2023 – Colombia: UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy conducted an official visit, during which she met with officials from Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review bilateral cooperation initiatives.
• December 1–2, 2023 – Dubai: President Gustavo Petro participated in official activities in the United Arab Emirates within the framework of the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
• December 4, 2023 – Dubai: The second session of the Joint Cooperation Committee between Colombia and the United Arab Emirates was held to assess progress and identify new areas of collaboration between the two countries.
• February 2025 - His Excellency President Gustavo Petro visited the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming the depth of bilateral relations and the commitment of both sides to elevate them to broader levels. He met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and a number of senior officials, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, food security, tourism, and education. They also signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding that outline a new roadmap for partnership between the two countries.