Partner

Switzerland and the UAE have enjoyed good relations since 1971. The Embassy of Switzerland in Abu Dhabi was first opened as a trade office in 1976 and then converted into an official diplomatic representation in 1982. A Consulate (today Consulate General) in Dubai followed 5 years later and a Swiss Business Hub in Dubai was added in 2005.

The UAE are Switzerland’s most important trading partner in the region and economic cooperation has been at the heart of the bilateral relations for a long time. More than 200 Swiss companies have chosen the country as a hub for their Middle Eastern and Asia business activities and a diaspora of 3’000 Swiss nationals lives here.

Today, this relationship has diversified to include education, research, innovation, financial affairs, energy cooperation, sustainable development and cultural diplomacy as well. Switzerland was the first country to confirm its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. It sees this event as a unique opportunity to present all facets of this expanded focus and to explore new partnerships.