President Lula Visits Abu Dhabi in Official State Visit, Reinforcing Strategic Partnership with the UAE

The Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in São Paulo commemorates the official State Visit of His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Abu Dhabi on 15 April 2023 — a landmark moment in the UAE–Brazil bilateral relationship.

President Lula was received at the Presidential Palace by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi. In a gesture of distinction, the Al Fursan aerobatic display team of the UAE Air Force traced the colours of the Brazilian flag over the Presidential Palace to welcome the Brazilian delegation. 

The visit took place during the holy month of Ramadan — the first time the UAE had received a State Visit during this period — and President Lula participated in an Iftar hosted by His Highness, a mark of high esteem in Islamic culture. The Brazilian delegation included representatives of 30 companies from diverse sectors, including mining and agribusiness. In 2022, bilateral trade reached USD 5.7 billion, a 74% increase compared to the previous year. 

During the visit, members of the Brazilian delegation signed Memoranda of Understanding with UAE authorities, including a joint declaration on climate action and a memorandum for cooperation between the Instituto Rio Branco and the Dr. Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. President Lula also visited the UAE in December 2023 for the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, his second visit that year, underscoring the growing dynamism of the bilateral relationship.