Georgia–UAE Relations Reach New Heights Through Strategic Partnership and Expanding Economic Cooperation

Government

Georgia–UAE Relations Reach New Heights Through Strategic Partnership and Expanding Economic Cooperation

Relations between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates have entered what officials describe as their strongest and most dynamic phase to date, driven by deeper strategic cooperation, growing investment flows, stronger educational links, and expanding people-to-people engagement.

According to George Janjgava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the UAE, the evolving partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainable economic growth, education, and long-term collaboration.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Janjgava emphasized that successful diplomacy extends beyond official protocols and agreements, focusing instead on building trust, understanding different perspectives, and creating lasting personal and institutional relationships.

He noted that the UAE’s forward-looking vision aligns naturally with Georgia’s development ambitions, creating opportunities for practical and mutually beneficial cooperation across multiple sectors.

Political engagement remains one of the strongest foundations of the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Janjgava highlighted that both governments continue to maintain active high-level dialogue and support each other’s strategic priorities through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Recent exchanges have reinforced this momentum. Georgia’s Prime Minister participated in major global platforms hosted in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and World Governments Summit. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a landmark visit to Georgia in September 2025, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Economic collaboration has emerged as a major growth driver within the partnership. Positioned between Europe and Asia, Georgia continues to attract investment across sectors including tourism, logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and technology.

According to the Ambassador, UAE investments in Georgia have reached approximately USD 1.5 billion over the past two decades. Major investors include Majid Al Futtaim, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, alongside other regional investment entities.

A significant recent milestone was the launch of a USD 6.6 billion real estate development project in Georgia by Eagle Hills, described as one of the country’s largest foreign investment projects.

Today, more than 200 UAE-backed companies operate in Georgia, while approximately 2,000 Georgian nationals live and work across the UAE, contributing to entrepreneurship and business activity.

The Ambassador also pointed to the continued impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Georgia and the UAE, which has created additional opportunities for trade expansion and investment growth.

Tourism continues to strengthen bilateral ties. Nearly half a million visitors travelled to Georgia from the UAE last year, including expatriate residents, while approximately 15,000 UAE nationals visited the country. In return, around 35,000 visitors from Georgia travelled to the UAE in 2025.

Supporting this movement, direct air connectivity between the two countries has expanded significantly, reaching approximately 50 direct weekly flights, increasing to around 65 flights during peak periods.

Education and innovation are also becoming central pillars of cooperation. Ambassador Janjgava highlighted growing academic exchanges and shared recognition that future education must increasingly integrate technology and modern economic needs.

Currently, Georgian students are pursuing studies through scholarship opportunities at institutions including Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and New York University Abu Dhabi.

Additional scholarship opportunities announced during recent bilateral engagements are expected to further strengthen educational collaboration and support talent development between the two countries.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Janjgava said future cooperation will increasingly be shaped by entrepreneurship, innovation, cultural exchange, and stronger people-to-people connections, reinforcing a relationship that extends beyond official agreements into everyday opportunities shared between both societies.