On Wednesday, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, met with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. The goal of the meeting was to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore new paths for joint development.
Focus on Economy and Sustainable Development
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and trade relations. The discussion went beyond simple trade, focusing on long-term investments that could help both countries achieve sustainable growth.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized:
“The United Arab Emirates wants to expand its partnership with Nepal and take advantage of the opportunities that joint projects can offer.”
He pointed out that there are many areas in which both countries can benefit from each other—such as infrastructure, energy, education, and tourism.
High-Level Delegation from UAE in Kathmandu
Sheikh Abdullah was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including:
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Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State
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Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Deputy Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs
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Abdulla Balalaa, Deputy Foreign Minister for Energy and Sustainability
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Abdullah bin Jarwan AlShamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nepal
The delegation underscored the UAE’s serious interest in forming a strong partnership with Nepal. Both parties agreed to hold regular talks and launch new joint projects.
New Investments Planned in Nepal
A key focus of the meeting was on specific investment opportunities. The UAE sees Nepal as a promising partner in South Asia.
There is strong interest in cooperation in renewable energy—especially hydropower and solar energy. Tourism and transportation were also highlighted as areas with great potential.
A spokesperson for the Nepalese Prime Minister stated:
“We welcome the interest of the United Arab Emirates in investing in Nepal. This cooperation is crucial for the economic future of our country.”
Education and Innovation as Shared Goals
Knowledge exchange and innovation were also important topics during the meeting. Nepal is eager to benefit from the UAE’s technological advancements, particularly in digital infrastructure and vocational training.
The UAE, in turn, is looking to expand cultural and scientific ties.
Both countries plan to organize joint workshops, exchange programs, and business forums in the coming months.
UAE–Nepal Relations
Diplomatic relations between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates were established in 1977. Since then, ties have steadily grown stronger.
A major connection between the two nations is the large number of Nepalese workers in the UAE—around 300,000 Nepalis live and work in the Emirates.
The remittances sent by these workers are a vital source of income for Nepal, making a stable partnership with the UAE especially important.
Joint Projects in the Pipeline
In conclusion, both sides announced plans to continue regular discussions. The aim is to build strategic partnerships in areas such as green energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
