During an official visit to Abu Dhabi, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held high-level talks with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and signalling fresh momentum in bilateral cooperation on 14 January, 2026.
According to the Administration of the Government of Georgia, the meeting focused on the positive trajectory of relations between Tbilisi and Abu Dhabi, driven by close political dialogue and steadily expanding economic ties. Both sides noted that relations have developed significantly in recent years, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term partnership across a range of sectors. Particular attention was given to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Georgia last year, which was described as a landmark moment in bilateral relations. Officials from both countries underlined the visit’s role in elevating cooperation to a new level and opening the door to major economic and investment initiatives.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with leaders exploring opportunities to further deepen collaboration in trade, investment and sustainable development. Special emphasis was placed on the historic investment by UAE-based real estate developer Eagle Hills, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, which stands as one of the largest foreign direct investments ever made in Georgia. The project has been widely viewed as a vote of confidence in Georgia’s economic potential and investment climate. The talks also highlighted the strategic importance of the Tbilisi Dry Port project, implemented with Emirati investment, which is expected to strengthen Georgia’s role as a regional logistics and transit hub linking Europe and Asia. In addition, both sides acknowledged the successful operations of other major UAE companies already active in the Georgian market, noting their contribution to economic growth and job creation.
The meeting took place as part of Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a major international forum dedicated to sustainable development, clean energy and innovation. Discussions were held within the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Georgia, which provides a foundation for expanding economic ties and supporting the development objectives of both nations. At the talks, held at the Zayed National Museum, the two leaders explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas aligned with shared development priorities, including renewable energy, sustainability and economic diversification. Both sides stressed the importance of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a global platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze was accompanied by a senior Georgian delegation, including Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili, Minister of Justice Paata Salia, and Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani.
On the Emirati side, the meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; as well as a number of ministers and senior officials.
Beyond economic cooperation, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasising the importance of peace and security as essential foundations for global growth and prosperity. Both reaffirmed their shared interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of sustainability, and expressed confidence that UAE–Georgia relations will continue to advance, supported by a wide range of untapped opportunities. The discussions underscored a mutual determination to translate political goodwill into concrete projects, positioning the partnership as a key pillar of both countries’ broader development strategies.
