Relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Türkiye have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into a growing strategic partnership spanning the economic, cultural, technological, security, and defense sectors. Today, the relationship stands as one of the region's most significant bilateral partnerships, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to promoting regional stability while prioritizing economic growth and sustainable development. This progress has been driven by high-level exchanges, strategic agreements, and expanding cooperation across a wide range of fields.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 21 March 1973. Türkiye opened its Consulate General in Abu Dhabi in 1979, followed by its Military Attaché Office in 1999. The United Arab Emirates established its Embassy in Ankara in 1983, followed by the Consulate General in Istanbul in 1989 and the Military Attaché Office in Ankara in 2005.
A defining milestone in bilateral relations came at the end of 2021 with the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to Türkiye at the invitation of H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. During the visit, 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, covering defense industries, healthcare, climate change, industry, technology, trade, and the economy.
This momentum continued with the official visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the United Arab Emirates on 14 February 2022, during which 13 additional agreements and memoranda of understanding were concluded in the fields of investment, defense, transport, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism, further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 21 March 1973. Türkiye opened its Consulate General in Abu Dhabi in 1979, followed by its Military Attaché Office in 1999. The United Arab Emirates established its Embassy in Ankara in 1983, followed by the Consulate General in Istanbul in 1989 and the Military Attaché Office in Ankara in 2005.
A defining milestone in bilateral relations came at the end of 2021 with the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to Türkiye at the invitation of H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye. During the visit, 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, covering defense industries, healthcare, climate change, industry, technology, trade, and the economy.
This momentum continued with the official visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the United Arab Emirates on 14 February 2022, during which 13 additional agreements and memoranda of understanding were concluded in the fields of investment, defense, transport, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism, further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to the Republic of Türkiye in 2021, followed by the visit of H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, to the United Arab Emirates in 2022, marked a historic turning point in bilateral economic and commercial relations. During this period, the United Arab Emirates announced the establishment of a US$10 billion investment fund for Türkiye, focusing on strategic sectors including logistics, energy, healthcare, and food security.
Economic ties have continued to strengthen, particularly following the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2023. Bilateral non-oil trade more than doubled, reaching US$45.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the initial target of US$40 billion.
As a result, the United Arab Emirates has become Türkiye's fifth-largest global trading partner and its largest trading partner in the Gulf region. UAE investments in Türkiye also span key sectors, including banking, port operations, and tourism.
The UAE–Türkiye economic partnership is founded on the principles of economic complementarity and shared strategic interests, providing a strong foundation for continued growth and expanded cooperation in the years ahead.
For information on investment opportunities in Türkiye in Arabic, please visit the official website of the Turkish Investment Office: https://www.invest.gov.tr, or contact the Embassy's Economic Affairs Section via email: IstanbulCon.EM@mofa.gov.ae
Economic ties have continued to strengthen, particularly following the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2023. Bilateral non-oil trade more than doubled, reaching US$45.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the initial target of US$40 billion.
As a result, the United Arab Emirates has become Türkiye's fifth-largest global trading partner and its largest trading partner in the Gulf region. UAE investments in Türkiye also span key sectors, including banking, port operations, and tourism.
The UAE–Türkiye economic partnership is founded on the principles of economic complementarity and shared strategic interests, providing a strong foundation for continued growth and expanded cooperation in the years ahead.
For information on investment opportunities in Türkiye in Arabic, please visit the official website of the Turkish Investment Office: https://www.invest.gov.tr, or contact the Embassy's Economic Affairs Section via email: IstanbulCon.EM@mofa.gov.ae
The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Türkiye share strong cultural affinities, underpinned by similar national priorities that emphasize the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of reading and lifelong learning, the protection of families and children, the empowerment of women, humanitarian action, and environmental sustainability.
This convergence has been reflected in a number of landmark initiatives. In the field of family policy and child protection, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and "Mother of the Nation," paid an official visit to Istanbul from 8 to 10 May 2025. During the visit, new residential units were inaugurated at the Sheikh Zayed Child Protection Complex in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services. In recognition of her outstanding humanitarian contributions, Her Highness was also awarded the Order of the Republic of Türkiye.
Academic and educational cooperation has likewise continued to expand. On 29 January 2026, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Center for Arabic Language Learning and Teacher Training was inaugurated through a partnership between the United Arab Emirates University and Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul. The center serves as a platform for strengthening academic exchange, promoting Arabic language education, and supporting teacher development.
Tourism has also become an increasingly important pillar of bilateral cultural ties. Türkiye has emerged as one of the preferred destinations for UAE nationals, owing to its natural landscapes, favorable climate, geographic proximity, rich cultural heritage, and renowned cuisine. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates continues to attract growing numbers of Turkish visitors through its international exhibitions, world-class tourism offerings, vibrant business environment, shopping destinations, and diverse cultural events.
This convergence has been reflected in a number of landmark initiatives. In the field of family policy and child protection, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and "Mother of the Nation," paid an official visit to Istanbul from 8 to 10 May 2025. During the visit, new residential units were inaugurated at the Sheikh Zayed Child Protection Complex in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services. In recognition of her outstanding humanitarian contributions, Her Highness was also awarded the Order of the Republic of Türkiye.
Academic and educational cooperation has likewise continued to expand. On 29 January 2026, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Center for Arabic Language Learning and Teacher Training was inaugurated through a partnership between the United Arab Emirates University and Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul. The center serves as a platform for strengthening academic exchange, promoting Arabic language education, and supporting teacher development.
Tourism has also become an increasingly important pillar of bilateral cultural ties. Türkiye has emerged as one of the preferred destinations for UAE nationals, owing to its natural landscapes, favorable climate, geographic proximity, rich cultural heritage, and renowned cuisine. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates continues to attract growing numbers of Turkish visitors through its international exhibitions, world-class tourism offerings, vibrant business environment, shopping destinations, and diverse cultural events.
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.
