The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland share strong cultural and educational ties, built on people-to-people engagement, the exchange of expertise, and an appreciation of each other’s cultures and traditions. Cooperation also extends to education, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and community initiatives.
The UAE Embassy in Helsinki plays an active role in strengthening these ties through events and initiatives that introduce Finnish audiences to the UAE’s vision, culture, traditions, and diverse, cosmopolitan society. The Embassy also supports reciprocal visits between educational institutions and civil society organizations in both countries.
Knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation extend to diplomacy and peacebuilding. In October 2023, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy signed a memorandum of understanding with CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and knowledge exchange. In May 2024, the Academy signed a further memorandum of understanding with Finn Church Aid, establishing a framework for cooperation and the exchange of expertise.
The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in cultural relations as the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. A series of initiatives and events highlighted the cultural and personal connections between the Emirati and Finnish peoples.
In March 2025, a joint Emirati–Finnish orchestral concert brought together artists and musicians from both countries, including Emirati opera singer Fatima Al Hashimi, Finnish cellist Jussi Makkonen, and pianist Nazig Azezian, alongside the Lohja City Orchestra and Emirati musicians. The performance demonstrated the role of music in bringing people together and strengthening cultural understanding.
On the sidelines of the concert, the UAE Embassy in Helsinki launched the “Friends of the UAE Circle,” bringing together Finnish individuals across generations and sectors who have contributed to developing bilateral relations. The initiative aims to preserve and strengthen the personal and professional connections that form an important part of the UAE–Finland partnership.
Media and cultural initiatives have also helped introduce audiences to Finnish society and strengthen connections between the two peoples. H.E. Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, participated in “Duroob,” a Dubai TV program presented by Emirati media personality and cultural researcher Ali Al Saloom. Three episodes explored Finnish culture and traditions through encounters with members of Finnish society.
The 50th anniversary celebrations culminated in December 2025 with the launch of the UAE Embassy in Helsinki’s book, “Together, Shaping the Next 50 Years,” during the reception marking the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad. The book brings together personal stories and experiences illustrating the development of people-to-people relations over the decades. It features students, academics, artists, businesspeople, athletes, Emirati–Finnish families, and former diplomats, highlighting the human and community dimensions of the bilateral relationship.
Community and knowledge partnerships have also extended to women’s health. In May 2025, the UAE Embassy supported the launch of the Women’s Health Hub Finland in Turku. The initiative brings together global pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies, researchers, and public-sector institutions to advance innovation in women’s health, reflecting the expanding scope of institutional engagement and knowledge exchange between the two countries
