The diplomatic foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates are conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates has broad diplomatic and commercial relations with most countries of the world. Until its departure in 2026, the UAE played a significant role in OPEC, and remains one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The United Arab Emirates is a member of the United Nations and several of its specialized agencies, as well as the World Bank, IMF, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement. Also, it is an observer in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Most countries have diplomatic missions in the capital Abu Dhabi with most consulates being in United Arab Emirates's largest and most populated city, Dubai.
Multilateral relations UAE has joined the United Nations and the Arab League and has established diplomatic relations with more than 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia, India, Nepal, United States, and most Western European countries. It has played a moderate role within the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), the United Nations, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The UAE believes that the Arab League needs to be restructured to become a viable institution, and would like to increase the strength and interoperability of the GCC defense forces.
The UAE is a member of the following international organizations: UN and several of its specialized agencies (ICAO, ILO, UPU, WHO, WIPO); World Bank, IMF, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), OPEC, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
In October 2010, the UAE was granted observer status at the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
As a result of the foreign policy of the UAE, the Emirati passport became the largest individual climber in Henley & Partners Passport Index in 2018 over the past decade, increasing its global rank by 28 places. According to the Henley Passport Index, as of 28 March 2019, Emirati citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 165 countries and territories, ranking the Emirati passport 21st in the world in terms of travel freedom.
In July 2024, The UAE and Japan signed multiple agreements to enhance business ties, including a $3 billion green financing deal and cooperation on energy reserves. Bilateral trade reached $47.4 billion in 2023, with the UAE as Japan's top GCC trading partner and a major oil supplier.
In January 2025, the UAE condemned the 2025 Point Triple attack on Benin.
On 22 September 2026, foreign ministers from India, France, and the United Arab Emirates met during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting was led by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The ministers discussed joint projects in space, artificial intelligence, and culture, as well as political developments in West Asia.
Diplomatic relations List of countries which the United Arab Emirates maintains diplomatic relations with: #CountryDate123— (suspended)4567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132— (suspended)333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606162636465666768697071727374757677787980818283848586878889—90919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148—149150151— (suspended)152153154155156157158159160161162163164165166167168169—170171172173174175176177178179180181182183—184185186187188Unknown189Unknown
Africa Country Formal Relations BeganNotes6 July 1973(Diplomatic severed 10 September 2026)See Algeria–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1973 when UAE officials opened an embassy in Algiers Algeria has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Algiers.10 January 1972, severed diplomatic relations from 25 April 1979, Restored 11 November 1987See Egypt–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1972
Since the establishment of the UAE in 1971, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates relations were always at a good level and developing at an unprecedented rate. The bond of friendship between the leaders of both countries has reflected on the growing political, economic and cultural ties between them, as a result, UAE ranks first among Arab and foreign countries investing in Egypt. The UAE and Egypt maintain a close economic ties and maintain trade between the two countries with imports and exports between the two sides.28 June 1993Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 1993 Eritrea has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has a military base in Assab.5 May 1993Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1993
Since the late 2010s, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have developed a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing political, economic, and security cooperation. Bilateral relations include joint initiatives in humanitarian aid, agriculture, and media, and formal defense cooperation through a military Memorandum of Understanding. Economic ties have strengthened through growing trade, investment in sectors such as renewable energy, agro-industry, chemicals, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals, and the establishment of business offices and advisory initiatives to support Emirati investors. A bilateral currency swap agreement facilitated trade and financial integration, and in 2026 both countries reaffirmed their partnership, emphasizing collaboration on regional peace, security, development, and economic growth.5 June 1982See Kenya–United Arab Emirates relations6 May 2009Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 May 2009 Liberia has a Consulate General in Dubai. Relations with The UAE are very good with multiple bilateral agreement signed in 2019.24 May 1972See Libya–United Arab Emirates relations The UAE maintains a forward operating base at the Al-Khadim Airport, near Marj.23 July 1973Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1973
The United Arab Emirates established an embassy in Dakar in March 2018, which was unveiled by Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development loaned Senegal $13 million to invest in rural solar energy.29 November 1972See Somalia–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 November 1972 Somalia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Mogadishu.December 1971(Dipiomatic severed 6 March 2026)See Sudan–United Arab Emirates relations On 6 March 2025, Sudan filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide by supporting the Rapid Support Forces, which are alleged to have committed atrocities against the Masalit people in Darfur. The Court dismissed the case on the grounds that it lacks prima facie jurisdiction.
Americas Country Formal Relations BeganNotesFebruary 1974Both countries established relations in February 1974.
In 2008, the UAE opened an Embassy in Buenos Aires. Argentina has an Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
In 2025, both countries participated in a high-level seminar about Argentina's Incentive Regime for Large Investments, with the UAE signaling intent to increase its trade relations with Buenos Aires. The countries have signed more than 30 bilateral treaties and memoranda of understanding.8 January 1996Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1996. In 2022 the government of Barbados opened an embassy in Dubai. In 2023 the Government of Dubai signed a deal to operate the sole International airport in Barbados.26 May 1974Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1974 Brazil has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Brasília. In 2023, President Lula da Silva visited the UAE, where he met with President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In 2025, the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a partnership in which the UAE committed to invest US$2.5 billion in the rare minerals industry and energy transition in Brazil.2 February 1974See Canada–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 February 1974 Canada has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Ottawa.23 June 1978Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 June 1978 Chile has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Santiago.1 January 1976See Colombia–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1976 Colombia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Bogotá.12 September 1975See Mexico–United Arab Emirates relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1975 Mexico has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Mexico City.17 June 1986Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1986 Peru has a consulate-general in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Lima.20 March 1972See United Arab Emirates–United States relations The UAE's strategic relationship with the United States dates back to the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Subsequent to joining the military effort, the two countries signed an agreement in late 1992 permitting the United States to use some UAE bases temporarily and to pre-position supplies on UAE territory. Since 25 July 1994, a formal Defense Cooperation Agreement has been in place.CRS Report for Congress, The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy, May 2005 Ten years later, despite publicly opposing the US led war in Iraq, the UAE permitted a minimal amount of US forces to support the operation from the Al Dhafra air base, Jebel Ali, and naval facilities at Fujairah. Enhancing security relations, has been a US arms sale in March 2000 to the Emirates, valued at $8 billion and included over $2 billion worth of weapons, munitions, and services.CRS Report for Congress Pg. 5
A nuclear deal was signed between the US and the UAE meant to supply nuclear technology, expertise and fuel. Despite international opposition to neighboring Iran's nuclear developments, the US is confident of the UAE's compliance with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards to refrain from enriching uranium and extracting plutonium. It firmly believes this agreement "has the potential to usher in an era of responsible nuclear-energy development throughout the Middle East."
Commercially, the UAE is also the States' largest export market in the Middle East constituting $11.6 billion in exports annually. In March 2005, the US opened negotiations on a free trade agreement and despite intermittent depreciation of currencies in the Persian Gulf area, the UAE dirham remains pegged to the dollar.Thaindian News, "Pegged to dollar, Gulf currencies have depreciated: report", 7 April 2008, http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/pegged-to-dollar-gulf-currencies-have-depreciated-report_10035374.html The two countries have also maintained close ties through an exchange of cultural and educational partnerships which include the Guggenheim Museum, and a number of American Universities opening campuses in the Emirates.UAE-US Relations: UAE–US Partnerships, The United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Washington, DC and a consulate-general in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City.