UAE-Finland Relations

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy strong and growing bilateral relations, with ties dating back to 1972 and formal diplomatic relations established in 1975. Over the years, cooperation has expanded significantly across the economy, investment, energy, education, defense, the environment, technology, government development, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and other areas of shared interest.

UAE–Finland relations are supported by a comprehensive legal and institutional framework developed 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; the 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 further to include higher education and political consultations in 2021, and energy in 2022. Cooperation in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and knowledge exchange also developed through memoranda of understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and both 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 coordinating bilateral cooperation. The first round of political consultations between the two ministries followed on November 17, 2022, strengthening dialogue and coordination on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. In November 2024, Helsinki hosted the second session of the UAE–Finland Joint Committee alongside a UAE trade mission to Finland, helping broaden economic, trade, and investment partnerships.

Political and diplomatic engagement also continued through the Helsinki Policy Forum Steering Group meeting in Abu Dhabi in December 2024. Attended by H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, then Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, the meeting reflected growing engagement between institutions working in policy, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in both countries.

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

The visit of H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, to the UAE in January 2025 further strengthened bilateral ties. During the visit, he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and other senior government leaders. In March 2025, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Finland, where he met with H.E. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland; H.E. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs; and other senior government officials.

Another significant milestone in 2025 was the official visit of H.E. President Alexander Stubb to the UAE in November. He was received by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in key sectors supporting development, including the economy, trade, education, technology, space, and innovation.

During the two-day visit, President Stubb also held productive discussions with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; and H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. These high-level meetings reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation, and developing partnerships in strategic sectors.

Cooperation continued in 2026 through political dialogue and exchanges of government expertise. In June, H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, participated in the Kultaranta Talks in Naantali. In October, the two governments organized the Government Experience Exchange Forum in Helsinki, bringing together senior officials and experts from both countries. Participants included H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, and H.E. Mohammed bin Taliah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Government Services in the UAE. The forum focused on advancing knowledge exchange and cooperation in government modernization and development.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Finland enjoy growing economic and trade relations, supported by a shared commitment to expanding trade and investment and exploring opportunities in priority sectors. These include technology, advanced industries, energy, sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation.

With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and global transport, logistics, and communications networks, the UAE provides an important platform for Finnish companies seeking access to 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 USD 579 million in 2025, with the UAE remaining Finland’s largest trading partner in the Gulf for both exports and imports for the fifth consecutive year. Between 2024 and 2025, UAE exports to Finland increased by 87.78%, re-exports by 3.9%, and imports from Finland by 53.97%. Total non-oil trade grew by 53.91%, reflecting the continued expansion of trade between the two countries.

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 supported economic and trade cooperation and helped 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 inaugural meeting in November 2024, providing a platform to strengthen private-sector engagement and support trade and investment partnerships.

During his visit to the UAE in January 2025, H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, delivered a keynote address at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He also met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, as well as key stakeholders in the energy and aviation sectors. The Prime Minister and his accompanying business delegation held discussions with the leadership of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The visit also included the second meeting of the UAE–Finland Business Council.

That same month, H.E. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security, visited the UAE with a business delegation to explore partnerships in healthcare and innovation. In February, H.E. Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Finland’s Minister of Local and Regional Government, attended the World Governments Summit and met with several UAE ministers.

During President Alexander Stubb’s visit to the UAE in November 2025, the UAE Ministry of Investment and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health signed a letter of intent on investment cooperation in healthcare and life sciences. Additional agreements were signed between VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and the Finnish company Unikie, as well as agreements involving Red Diamond Group, Regal Group, and Temet.

Three economic delegations to Helsinki, led by H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, in April and September 2025 and August 2026, further strengthened bilateral cooperation. The visits focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies.
Air connectivity reached a significant milestone on October 1, 2026, when Emirates launched daily, year-round direct flights between Dubai and Helsinki. The new route opened further opportunities for economic cooperation and strengthened connections between the two countries. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to facilitate business and leisure travel and the movement of cargo, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism while deepening economic and people-to-people ties.

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