Cultural relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Armenia are built on a strong foundation of cooperation across a range of fields, particularly education, tourism, and culture. These ties are further supported by mutual visa exemptions and direct air connectivity between the two countries. Bilateral cultural cooperation is underpinned by a solid legal framework that began with the signing of the Cultural Cooperation Agreement in 2002.
One of the most notable examples of this partnership in the field of cultural heritage preservation is the restoration of the historic Haghartsin Monastery, funded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Efforts to promote the Arabic language and strengthen the UAE’s cultural presence in Armenia have also been significant, including the establishment of the UAE Hall at the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Yerevan State University in 2018, which was upgraded with modern educational resources in 2025. Additional initiatives include the distribution of Arabic-language collections to Armenian public libraries and the inauguration of the Arab Corner at the National Children’s Library in 2020.
Academic and research cooperation has continued to expand, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2025 between the American University of Armenia and the American University of Dubai to promote academic exchange and joint research. Leading research institutions from both countries have also developed strategic partnerships, including collaborations involving the Emirates Policy Center, TRENDS Research & Advisory, and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research with their Armenian counterparts.
The UAE Embassy in Yerevan continues to implement humanitarian initiatives in support of persons with visual impairments, reflecting the depth of the humanitarian partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual understanding.
