Published on 28 August 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an influential actor in the Gulf region and Switzerland's biggest trading partner in the Middle East. The two countries enjoy a dynamic, multifaceted partnership.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The focus of relations is on the economy and finance, science and new technologies, sustainable development and peacebuilding. As a regional hub, the UAE is becoming increasingly involved in international cooperation, which opens up new avenues for bilateral relations. Switzerland and the UAE have concluded a number of agreements, including in the areas of investment protection, civil aviation, double taxation and free trade.

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

With a trade volume of CHF 49 billion in 2025, the UAE is Switzerland's biggest trading partner in the Middle East. Switzerland mainly exports precious metals, watches and jewellery, as well as chemical and pharmaceutical products. Imports also consist mainly of precious metals, watches and jewellery. Switzerland is active in improving market access, including in the financial sector, and supports start-ups and companies in introducing new technologies as part of the UAE's economic diversification. It also promotes Switzerland as a tourist destination in the growing Gulf state market.

Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Swiss Business Hub Middle East

Double taxation agreements

Cooperation on education, research and innovation

Switzerland promotes links between its research institutions and those in the UAE. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is establishing scientific partnerships as the ‘leading house’ for the MENA region on behalf of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Furthermore, researchers and artists who are citizens of the UAE can apply to SERI for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Leading House MENA project

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI

Peacebuilding and human security

Switzerland actively promotes dialogue between the states of the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. It uses major events and its close cooperation with the private sector to promote human rights through initiatives in the field of labour migration.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

The SDC office at the Swiss embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, also covers Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Its key areas of focus include water, climate change, migration, innovative financing models and partnerships with humanitarian and development actors in the Gulf region. On migration issues, it works closely with Switzerland's regional migration adviser, who is based in Amman. Unlike traditional country offices, the representation focuses on development diplomacy and acts as a bridge-builder, promoting dialogue and cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council partners.

Cultural exchanges

Switzerland regularly takes part in the celebrations to mark the International Day of La Francophonie and Italian Language Week. It also organises various cultural events.

Swiss citizens in the United Arab Emirates

At the end of 2025, there were 4,279 Swiss nationals living in the United Arab Emirates.

History of bilateral relations

Relations between Switzerland and the UAE developed following the regional economic boom that began with the increase in oil production in the 1960s. The UAE was recognised by Switzerland in 1971. In 1976, Switzerland opened a trade office in Abu Dhabi, which was upgraded to an embassy in 1982. This was followed in 1987 by the opening of a consulate in Dubai, which today operates as a consulate general with exclusive responsibility for trade relations. In 2005, a Swiss Business Hub was also opened in Dubai. Today, Switzerland is further represented in the UAE by a defence attaché, a regional adviser from the SDC and Switzerland Tourism.

United Arab Emirates, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

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