The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed Finland’s President, Alexander Stubb, to the capital on 24th November, 2025, for an official visit that placed the spotlight on the steady growth of relations between the two countries and their shared ambition to broaden cooperation across key sectors.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati, served as an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of bilateral progress and to outline areas where collaboration could be strengthened. Sheikh Mohamed conveyed his best wishes for Finland’s continued development, noting the long-standing friendship between the two nations as they mark 50 years of diplomatic ties. During the talks, the two presidents explored a wide range of issues, from economic and technological partnerships to political and multilateral cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on renewable energy, advanced technology, investment prospects, education, and the rapidly expanding fields of space and innovation—areas identified by both sides as central to future growth.
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE’s determination to build on the momentum achieved in recent years, stressing that Finland’s expertise in sustainability and digital innovation made it a natural partner. He also pointed to ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the European Union, describing them as significant steps that could further bolster trade and investment links with Finland. President Stubb expressed appreciation for the UAE’s warm hospitality and affirmed Finland’s readiness to expand economic and trade engagement. He praised the UAE’s role as a platform for international dialogue and cooperation, acknowledging its efforts to foster stability and constructive engagement in the wider region.
The discussions also addressed several regional and global developments, with both leaders underscoring the importance of coordinated action in tackling shared challenges. Climate change, economic resilience, and international peacebuilding featured prominently, reflecting the two countries’ mutual interest in supporting global initiatives rooted in diplomacy and sustainable development. Senior UAE officials attended the meeting, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, alongside a number of ministers and senior figures. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and unlocking new avenues that could advance the aspirations of their peoples, while contributing to wider global stability and economic growth.
