Georgia - UAE Relationships

The United Arab Emirates and Georgia enjoy steadily growing bilateral relations, supported by continued dialogue and cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 20, 1992, the two countries have worked to strengthen their partnership and expand opportunities for cooperation.

Diplomatic ties were further consolidated with the opening of the UAE Embassy in Georgia in 2018 and the Georgian Embassy in the UAE in 2020. The establishment of the UAE–Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Committee in 2021 provided an additional platform for parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.
 
The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on October 10, 2023, marked an important milestone in bilateral relations. The agreement, which entered into force on June 27, 2024, provides a framework for expanding trade, promoting investment, and improving market access for businesses in both countries. 

Bilateral relations gained further momentum in 2025 with the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Georgia on September 19. The visit reflected the importance both countries attach to advancing their partnership and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

High-level engagement continued in 2026, including a meeting between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.E. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, on January 14 to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. 

Ministerial discussions in January 2026 also highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations, with the two sides reviewing ongoing projects and exploring further cooperation in food security, education, tourism, and culture. These exchanges reflect their continued commitment to developing cooperation across a broader range of sectors.

Economic Cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Georgia

The United Arab Emirates and Georgia enjoy growing economic, trade, and investment relations, supported by a strong institutional framework, expanding commercial ties, and enhanced air connectivity.

Efforts to deepen economic cooperation gained momentum in December 2020, when the two countries’ economy ministers agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement. On May 9, 2022, the two sides signed a document setting out the terms of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). A joint council between the chambers of commerce of both countries was also established in 2022 to strengthen business engagement and promote trade and investment opportunities.

The CEPA was signed in Dubai on October 10, 2023, and entered into force on June 27, 2024. The agreement provides a framework for expanding bilateral trade, facilitating investment, and improving market access for businesses in both countries.

Investment is an important pillar of the economic partnership, with UAE investments in Georgia reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion over the past two decades. In 2025, UAE developer Eagle Hills launched a USD 6.6 billion real estate development in Georgia, representing one of the largest foreign investment projects in the country’s history.

Direct air connectivity further supports business exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people ties. Airlines operate approximately 50 direct flights per week between the two countries, increasing to as many as 65 during peak travel periods. In 2025, Georgia welcomed nearly half a million visitors traveling from the UAE, including expatriate residents, with UAE nationals accounting for approximately 15,000 visitors. During the same year, approximately 35,000 visitors from Georgia traveled to the UAE.

Cultural Cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Georgia

The United Arab Emirates and Georgia enjoy growing cultural relations, underpinned by mutual respect, shared traditions of hospitality, and a commitment to strengthening ties between their peoples. Cooperation spans education, science, the arts, and cultural heritage, while direct air connectivity and tourism provide further opportunities for cultural exchange.

Educational and scientific cooperation is an important component of the bilateral partnership. In February 2024, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in education and science, providing a framework for academic exchanges, joint scientific research, and partnerships between higher education institutions.

Artistic exchanges also contribute to greater understanding and appreciation of both countries’ cultures. In October 2023, the UAE Embassy in Tbilisi, in cooperation with Georgia’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, organized an evening of arts and classical music featuring Emirati and Georgian musicians and visual artists.

Emirati participation in Georgia’s cultural events has further strengthened these exchanges. In December 2025, Emirati pianist Ahmed Al Hashemi performed a solo concert as part of the Batumi Black Sea International Music and Art Festival, with the participation of the UAE Embassy in Tbilisi. 

Georgian performing arts have also reached audiences in the UAE through performances by the Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet at venues including Dubai Opera and Zabeel Theatre, introducing audiences to Georgia’s dance traditions and cultural heritage.

The two countries continue to explore opportunities to expand educational and cultural cooperation. Ministerial discussions in January 2026 highlighted education, tourism, and culture among the areas for further collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding.