UAE-Finland Relations

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy well-established and growing bilateral relations, with initial ties dating back to 1972 and formal diplomatic relations established in 1975. Cooperation has developed significantly, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, energy, education, defense, environment, technology, and government development, alongside diplomacy, peacebuilding, and other areas of mutual interest.

UAE–Finland relations are underpinned by a broad legal and institutional framework that has evolved over several decades. This began with the Agreement on Economic, Industrial, and Technical Cooperation signed in 1982, followed by agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments in 1996. Subsequent agreements and memoranda of understanding covered defense cooperation in 2007; visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports in 2009; combating money laundering in 2010; environment and air services in 2013; the exchange of information on tax matters and smart learning in 2016; and training and cooperation on aviation accidents in 2017.

This framework expanded in subsequent years to include higher education and political consultations in 2021, and energy in 2022. Cooperation in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and knowledge exchange was further strengthened in 2023 through two memoranda of understanding signed by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy with CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and Finn Church Aid.

At the institutional level, the first meeting of the Joint Committee between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, held on January 27, 2021, marked an important milestone in structuring bilateral cooperation. The first political consultations between the two ministries took place on November 17, 2022, strengthening dialogue and coordination on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. In November 2024, the second session of the UAE–Finland Joint Committee was held in Helsinki alongside a UAE trade mission to Finland, helping broaden economic, trade, and investment partnerships.
Coordination also extended to political and diplomatic dialogue. In December 2024, the Helsinki Policy Forum’s steering group met in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, then Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs. The meeting reflected growing engagement between institutions involved in policy, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in both countries.

Bilateral relations gained further momentum in 2025 as the UAE and the Republic of Finland celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, with a series of high-level visits, cultural events, and joint initiatives. The institutional framework was further strengthened through a memorandum of understanding between the UAE and Finland’s Ministry of Finance to exchange expertise in government development and modernization. A separate memorandum of understanding between the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and the Lahti region supported knowledge exchange and innovation in the circular economy, sustainable materials, environmentally friendly technologies, startups, research and development, waste management and recycling, green buildings, and sustainable construction. In addition, the UAE Ministry of Investment and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health signed a letter of intent to strengthen investment cooperation in healthcare and life sciences.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy growing economic and trade relations, supported by a shared interest in expanding trade and investment and exploring opportunities in priority sectors, particularly technology, advanced industries, energy, sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation. With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and global transport, logistics, and telecommunications networks, the UAE provides an important platform for Finnish companies to access regional and international markets. In May 2022, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to develop technical and economic cooperation in the energy sector and enhance market access. In 2023, Nokia announced the launch of an Open Innovation Lab in Dubai to support regional innovation and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in network automation.

Bilateral trade reached approximately EUR 692 million in 2023, making the UAE Finland’s largest partner for exports and imports in the Gulf region. Between 2021 and 2023, exports increased by 89%, re-exports by 151%, and imports by 36%, while non-oil trade grew by 22%, reflecting the continued expansion of bilateral trade. Around 70 Finnish companies operate in the UAE, while approximately six Emirati companies operate in Finland.

At the institutional level, the first session of the UAE–Finland Joint Committee in January 2021 and its second session in Helsinki in November 2024 helped advance economic and trade cooperation and identify new opportunities for both business communities. In December 2023, the two sides agreed to work toward establishing a joint business council. The UAE–Finland Business Council held its first meeting in November 2024, providing a platform to strengthen private sector engagement and support trade and investment partnerships.

The partnership gained further momentum in 2025, when H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, leading a trade delegation. H.E. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security, also visited the UAE with a business delegation to explore partnerships in healthcare and innovation. H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, participated in the World Governments Summit, while H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, led two economic missions to Helsinki in April and September 2025 to explore cooperation in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies.

Expanding air connectivity also supports trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries. In January 2026, Emirates announced the launch of a daily direct service between Dubai and Helsinki, scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026. The service will facilitate the movement of business travelers, passengers, and cargo, strengthening economic and tourism ties and people-to-people connections.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy strong cultural and knowledge-based ties, built on people-to-people connections, the exchange of expertise, and mutual appreciation of each country’s culture and traditions. These ties also encompass partnerships in education, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and community engagement. The UAE Embassy in Helsinki plays an active role by organizing events and initiatives that introduce Finnish society to the UAE’s vision, culture, traditions, and diverse, cosmopolitan character, while supporting reciprocal visits between educational institutions and civil society organizations in both countries.

Knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation also 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 memorandum of understanding with Finn Church Aid to establish a framework for cooperation and the exchange of expertise. Cultural relations reached a significant milestone in 2025 as the UAE and Finland celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations through initiatives and events highlighting the human and cultural connections between their peoples.

In March 2025, a joint Emirati–Finnish 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 strengthening cultural understanding and connections. That same month, the UAE Embassy in Helsinki launched the “Circle of Friends of the UAE,” bringing together Finnish individuals across generations and sectors who have contributed to developing bilateral relations. The initiative aims to preserve the personal and professional connections that form an important part of the UAE–Finland partnership.

Media and cultural initiatives have also helped introduce Finnish society to Emirati audiences and strengthen people-to-people ties. H.E. Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, participated in “Duroob,” a program presented by Emirati broadcaster and cultural researcher Ali Al Saloom on Dubai TV. Three episodes explored Finnish culture and traditions through the perspectives of members of the Finnish community.

The 50th anniversary celebrations culminated in December 2025 with the UAE Embassy in Helsinki’s launch of the book “Together, We Shape the Next 50 Years” during its reception marking the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad. The book documents personal stories and experiences reflecting the evolution of relations between the two peoples over the decades. It features accounts from students, academics, artists, businesspeople, athletes, Emirati–Finnish families, and former diplomats, highlighting the human and community dimensions of bilateral relations.

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 hub 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.