The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Kigali has celebrated the UAE’s 54th Union Day under the theme “United,” shining a spotlight on the deepening economic and diplomatic partnership between the UAE and Rwanda.
Rwanda and the UAE have enjoyed steadily expanding ties over the years, and officials from both countries used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to stronger cooperation across key sectors.
Speaking during the event, Mohammed AlKaabi, the UAE Chargé d’Affaires in Kigali, highlighted the rapid growth in bilateral investment.
“Investment flows between our countries are expanding, as UAE investors focus on transformative sectors in Rwanda, including infrastructure, logistics, energy and technology—while Rwandan partners increasingly explore opportunities in the UAE in areas such as real estate, trade and tourism,”
AlKaabi said.
He noted the significant role of logistics projects in strengthening Rwanda’s regional connectivity, citing the DP World Kigali Logistics Platform as a key example that has linked the country to global supply chains.
AlKaabi also emphasized the progress achieved through the first Joint Economic Committee held in Kigali and ongoing work toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which he said would “create new opportunities for long-term collaboration and mutual prosperity.”
Representing Rwanda, Virgil Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the strong cooperation between the two countries across trade, innovation, climate action, and youth development.
Rwanyagatare noted that the UAE has emerged as Rwanda’s top export market, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 1.5 billion last year.
“Beyond economics, our relationship is anchored in shared values—support for stability, investment in human capital and youth, openness to innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainable development,”
he said.
Celebrating a Union Built on Vision
Union Day marks 2 December 1971, when the UAE was founded under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
This year’s anniversary coincides with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s proclamation of 2025 as the Year of the Community, reinforcing the UAE’s emphasis on unity, civic engagement, and social cohesion among more than 200 nationalities.
Under long-term strategies such as We the UAE 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071, the Emirates continues to invest heavily in innovation, sustainability, and human development, strengthening its position as a global leader in advanced technology, space exploration, and economic diversification.
A Growing Diplomatic and Economic Footprint
The UAE’s outward-looking foreign policy—supported by 103 embassies and 20 consulates worldwide—has elevated its role in international affairs.
Its participation in the 2025 G20 and BRICS meetings reflects its growing influence.
Economically, the UAE continues to break records, with non-oil foreign trade rising 24% in the first half of 2025 and the country ranking second globally in new foreign direct investment projects.
Additional milestones include: over 40 national AI and technology initiatives
Participation in the Lunar Gateway project
Becoming the first Arab nation with a permanent polar research base.
These achievements strengthen the UAE’s position as a global business hub—momentum that Rwanda is leveraging through deeper economic engagement.
Rwanda–UAE relationship is increasingly becoming a model of modern, forward-looking cooperation—one that promises to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity in the years ahead.
By Andrew shyaka
