President Ramaphosa to Undertake Official Visit to United Arab Emirates

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 12 to 13 January 2026, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The visit coincides with President Ramaphosa’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a premier global platform on sustainable development.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo credit: GCIS

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will take place from 11 to 15 January under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.” The annual summit convenes Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to advance multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the future of global sustainability.

South Africa and the UAE enjoy cordial and long-standing bilateral relations, marked by regular high-level engagements and strong economic cooperation. The UAE is a significant investor in the South African economy, with investments spanning key sectors including transport, logistics, and renewable energy.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and the UAE reached approximately US$5.22 billion in 2024. South Africa’s exports to the UAE amounted to US$2.68 billion, reflecting a 5.53 percent increase compared to 2023, while imports from the UAE totalled US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25.8 percent over the same period. These figures underscore the strategic importance of the UAE as a key economic partner for South Africa in the Middle East and highlight ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation.

During the visit, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment of the summit, as well as other high-level sessions. He is also expected to engage with leading captains of industry and business leaders to promote investment opportunities and strengthen collaboration between South Africa and the UAE.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; the Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.