On March 8, 2024, the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates emphasized the need to elevate bilateral relations to a heightened level of economic partnership. The Honorable Foreign Minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP, engaged in a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the royal palace in Al Ain city of Abu Dhabi Emirates.

In 1974, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman embarked on an official visit to the UAE, where he held a significant meeting with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, laying the foundation for a robust friendship between the two nations. In reciprocation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, visited Bangladesh in 1984 to expand bilateral relations.

Several key agreements have bolstered cooperation between Bangladesh and the UAE over the years. A cultural cooperation agreement was signed in March 1978, followed by a General Trade Agreement in 1984. In January 2011, agreements on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment were inked to further enhance economic cooperation. Additionally, an Air Services Agreement was signed in October 2017 to strengthen relations between the two countries. The UAE has emerged as a significant trading partner and a major source of investment for Bangladesh in the Middle East. Bilateral trade has seen a notable increase, reaching $1.3 billion in 2019. The economic collaboration between Bangladesh and the UAE has evolved into a vibrant and mutually advantageous partnership, poised for remarkable expansion in 2023.

During this period, bilateral trade surged to a remarkable $1.8 billion, underscoring the robust and enduring character of their economic partnership. Bangladesh exports various goods to the UAE, including readymade garments, knitwear, agricultural products, and jute goods, while importing crude oil and petroleum products from the UAE. With around $7.0 billion invested in energy, ports, power, and........

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