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Lately, the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal has transformed into a robust, multifaceted strategic alliance, encompassing key areas such as trade, labor mobility, cultural exchange, and infrastructure development. This partnership reflects both nations’ commitment to sustainable development, economic resilience, and mutual prosperity.  

A recent milestone in this growing relationship came with the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs. During his visit, he met with Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel and Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, signaling a deepened diplomatic engagement and a forward-looking partnership between the two countries. 

Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nepal, has led key diplomatic missions, including facilitating the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, strengthening UAE-Nepal relations through mutual understanding and collaboration. The trade between the UAE and Nepal has experienced impressive growth, with the UAE now emerging as Nepal’s primary trade partner within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In 2023, UAE’s export to Nepal was $265.76m and key products were gold, computers, copper wire, machinery and plastics. Similarly, Nepal’s export to UAE stood at $4.56m and key export items were handwoven carpets, tea, spices and medicinal herbs.

Over the past two years, bilateral trade has grown by 7.8 percent. Nepal continues to focus on expanding its agricultural and natural product exports to meet the rising demand in the UAE market. Labor migration remains a cornerstone of the UAE-Nepal partnership. As of 2024, over 225,000 Nepalese nationals are employed in various sectors across the UAE, contributing significantly to both economies. The breakdown of employment sectors is as follows: construction: 40 percent; hospitality: 25 percent; retail/logistics: 20 percent and healthcare/domestic work: 15 percent.  In 2025, remittances from the UAE to Nepal reached $7.74bn, accounting for 24 percent of Nepal’s GDP. These funds play a crucial role in supporting education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure development across Nepal.

Air connectivity between the UAE and Nepal continues to strengthen. Flydubai operates 28 weekly flights between Dubai and Kathmandu, facilitating robust travel links. Additionally, a new daily route to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, set to launch in Nov 2024, will enhance access to Lumbini, Nepal’s religious tourism hub, further strengthening bilateral tourism ties. The future of UAE-Nepal relations holds immense potential, particularly in the following sectors such as urban development, renewable energy, and technology and digital trade.

The UAE’s expertise in smart city projects complements Nepal’s Vision 2040, aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure.  There is significant potential for collaboration between the UAE’s solar energy initiatives and Nepal’s untapped hydropower resources. Nepal’s rapidly growing tech and e-commerce sectors present new opportunities for UAE investors seeking to explore digital trade and innovation.

The UAE is home to over 225,000 Nepali expatriates, whose presence strengthens cultural ties between the two nations.  The UAE’s labor diplomacy initiatives have focused on protecting workers' rights and promoting skills development, allowing Nepalese nationals to build sustainable careers and contribute to both the UAE and Nepal’s economic growth. 

The UAE-Nepal relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership based on economic resilience, human capital empowerment, infrastructure development, cultural exchange and diplomacy.  This evolving alliance embodies the shared vision of both countries for a brighter, more prosperous future. Through their continued collaboration, the UAE and Nepal are paving the way for long-term success and setting an example of mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to global prosperity.

In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the COP28 outcomes echoed a resounding message of progress and inclusivity in the fight against climate change. COP28 Outcomes Briefing event organized by Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy held in Abu Dhabi on March 6 was a pivotal event as the UAE demonstrated leadership and commitment to the principles of the Paris Agreement.

The event aimed to delve into the historic outcomes of COP28, providing a comprehensive update on global climate diplomacy, along with an exploration of the agreements and initiatives that resulted from the conference.

For the first time in COP history, crucial decisions were made on the inaugural day, underlining the UAE’s proactive approach to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. Despite initial skepticism about the role of oil-producing nations, the UAE proved that sustainable development can coexist with responsible resource management.

At the core of COP28 was a clear recognition of the outcomes, achieved through inclusivity and dialogue. By ensuring that all voices, especially those of developing nations, were heard, the UAE fostered a sense of collective ownership and accountability.

One of the most significant achievements of COP28 was the launch of the Global Decarburization Accelerator and the Oil and Gas Charter. Leading oil companies such as ADNOC, NOC, and ARAMCO and many pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, signaling a transformative shift towards renewable energy.

Furthermore, COP28 saw unprecedented collaboration with developing countries, as evidenced by the Global Cooling Pledge signed by 69 nations. The UAE’s commitment to financing climate action was underscored by contributions from oil companies, with each pledging $25m, complemented by a $100m commitment from the UAE itself.

Crucially, COP28 emphasized the importance of translating financial promises into tangible action on the ground. Developing countries were urged to grab the opportunities presented by the UAE’s initiatives, including the establishment of a Youth Champion for Climate.

COP28 also reaffirmed the significance of trade and negotiations in shaping global climate policy. Major decisions were mandated during the conference, highlighting the UAE’s pivotal role in driving consensus and collaboration among nations.

COP28 stands as a testament to the UAE’s unwavering dedication to climate action and sustainability. By championing inclusivity, innovation, and responsible resource management, the UAE has set a new standard for global climate leadership. As the world looks towards a more sustainable future, the outcomes of COP28 serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.