Today's Edition
Hala Al Khayyat (Abu Dhabi)
Under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the UAE and Qatar have strong bilateral relations, supported by shared cultural and social heritage. Emirati-Qatari relations have reinforced cooperation, as is reflected in the economic, cultural, and creative development and prosperity in the two countries.
The UAE’s commitment to the solidity of relations with the State of Qatar has always been supported by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who views Arab and Gulf countries in particular as regional and global pillars and a source of support and cooperation in opening the prospect of development for all.
The relations between the UAE and Qatar are witnessing new milestones in fruitful cooperation, amidst reciprocal visits at the highest levels, such as President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the State of Qatar in October, where His Highness attended the opening of the International Horticulture Exhibition “International Horticultural Expo 2023” in Doha, inaugurated by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also made a visit to the UAE in November, where he was received by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the visit, the two sides discussed relations and various paths of cooperation and joint work in all fields to achieve mutual interests and bring goodness and prosperity to their peoples.
The high-level meetings between the two countries work to coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual interest. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced on March 12th that the UAE would support Qatar in hosting the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in 2026, reflecting the strong ties between the two countries.
UAE-Qatar relations are characterised by positive and strategic cooperation on various regional and international issues, and by coordination within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council in all fields, especially political issues.
These relations have seen significant momentum in recent years, confirmed by events and changes in the Arab world. Both sides have strived to coordinate positions during visits and communications at the highest level, reflecting a sophisticated level of coordination.
The ties between the two countries also extend to cultural, educational, sports, and scientific endeavours, among several other key areas of focus. Ties are also marked by a closeness among the leadership and populations, which translates into their robustness at all levels.
The relationship between the two nations has been historically strong, and is rooted in social and familial ties between the two peoples, exceeding the diplomatic definition of bilateral relations. Based on a mutural desire to develop effective cooperation, and in implementation of directives of the leadership of both countries, an agreement was signed in 1998 to establish the Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation between the UAE and Qatar.
This agreement covered cooperation in energy, industry, finance, economy, trade, youth, sports, transportation and civil aviation, meteorology, higher education and scientific research, municipal, agriculture, civil service, public works, housing, and other fields. The growing cooperation between the two major economies enhances the economic gains of both countries and the prosperity of the two brotherly peoples, positively reflecting on regional development.
Data from 2022 shows that the UAE is Qatar’s most important Arab trading partner, representing 53% of the country’s trade with Arab nations, and is ranked 10th among all trade partners globally. Qatar was ranked 15th among the UAE’s most important global trade partners in 2022. Embodying the strong fraternal relations between the two countries, the UAE on Monday is celebrating the National Day of the State of Qatar, which falls on December 18 each year.
The UAE will see a series of events linked to the occasion, including the lighting of iconic buildings in the country with the colours of the Qatari flag, special stamping and reception for Qatari citizens at the country’s airports, and congratulatory banners and phrases on digital billboards on the UAE’s main roads.
