Republic of Equatorial Guinea - UAE Relationships

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have enjoyed longstanding bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries on November 20, 1980. Since then, relations have continued to witness steady growth across political, economic, and investment fields, supported by high-level engagements and mutual efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Most recently, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, participated in the Conference of the Parties (COP28) hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. He also received an official reception from H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi on May 17, 2022.

Cooperation between the two countries has also advanced through the signing of several bilateral agreements, including the Air Services Agreement, the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income, the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment, and the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea enjoy growing economic and trade relations, reflected in the steady expansion of bilateral trade between the two countries. Non-oil trade increased from approximately USD 25.4 million in 2022 to around USD 109 million in 2025, highlighting the continued growth of economic relations and the exploration of new avenues for trade cooperation between the two sides.

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea maintain cultural relations based on promoting national heritage, encouraging cultural exchange, and strengthening people-to-people ties through participation in international events and exhibitions that showcase the cultural identity and heritage of both countries.

In October 2021, Equatorial Guinea participated in Expo 2020 Dubai through a national pavilion that showcased its cultural diversity, traditional heritage, and environmental diversity, while highlighting its tourism potential. The pavilion featured displays, photographs, artworks, and audiovisual content introducing visitors to the country’s culture and traditions, while reflecting the connection between its cultural heritage and its aspirations for modernization and sustainable development.

In December 2021, Equatorial Guinea’s First Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, led his country’s delegation at its National Day celebrations during the exhibition. The event featured cultural and artistic performances that reflected the country’s local heritage and helped introduce it to visitors from around the world.

Equatorial Guinea’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai represents one of the notable milestones in cultural exchange between the two countries. It provided a platform to showcase the country’s national identity, traditional heritage, and local arts, while promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding and supporting opportunities to expand cultural and tourism cooperation between the two countries.