The UAE and South Africa share a strong bond that began with the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. They maintain flourishing economic ties, with the UAE being South Africa’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. Both nations are committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and support for marginalized communities. They invest in each other and foster a positive image of robust collaboration and integration with other nations and peoples worldwide. As the world faces ongoing global challenges, the UAE and South Africa remain steadfast in their dedication to promoting peace and cooperation.
What is the relationship between the UAE and South Africa?
The UAE and South Africa have a legacy of collaboration and friendship that began with the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. The two countries maintain flourishing economic ties, with the UAE being South Africa’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. They also share international perspectives and values, and are committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and support for marginalized communities. Both nations are investing in each other and fostering a positive image of robust collaboration and integration with other nations and peoples worldwide.
A Legacy of Friendship and Partnership
In this article, we commemorate the 52nd National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and delve into the flourishing bilateral relationship between the UAE and South Africa. Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, on behalf of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa, expressed heartfelt felicitations and congratulations. In light of this occasion, we examine the accomplishments, common values, and potential prospects of these two countries.
The UAE and South Africa take pride in their legacy of collaboration and camaraderie, which started in 1994 with the establishment of diplomatic relations during South Africa’s democratic transition. In the coming year, both nations will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations and three decades of democracy in South Africa. The UAE’s early acknowledgement of a democratic South Africa laid the groundwork for their enduring and positive relationship.
In recent times, frequent high-level visits and communication between the leadership of both countries have helped to further cement their burgeoning and vibrant relationship. As South Africa takes on its role as a member of the BRICS group, it welcomes the UAE as one of the six new full members starting January 1, 2024. The UAE’s contributions to BRICS are expected to positively influence bilateral cooperation initiatives.
Shared International Perspectives and Economic Ties
Both countries hold similar views on global issues and strongly believe in the power of dialogue, negotiations, and inclusive mediation to resolve conflicts peacefully. The UAE, in particular, holds a significant role in the Gulf Region and the broader international arena, which South Africa acknowledges and respects.
Moreover, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa maintain flourishing economic ties, with the UAE being South Africa’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. In 2022, bilateral trade reached an impressive R109 billion, comprising R42 billion in South African exports and R67 billion in imports. As the two nations continue investing in each other, their profound commitment to enhancing economic relations becomes increasingly apparent.
South Africa also expresses gratitude for the various support provided by the UAE through donations of medical, educational, and other materials and equipment. These donations have uplifted some of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities and offered relief to those severely impacted by natural disasters, such as the floods in KwaZulu Natal.
Investments and Renewable Energy Initiatives
In April this year, President Ramaphosa urged international investors to increase their investments in South Africa during the 5th South African Investment Conference. As the country seeks to tackle unemployment, poverty, and inequality, South Africa has already surpassed its previous five-year investment target, attracting R1.5 trillion in new investments. The next five-year plan aims to raise R2 trillion.
A noteworthy trend within these investments is the emphasis on renewable energy. A prime example of this is AMEA Power’s $180 million investment in the Doornhoek solar plant in Mpumalanga. As South Africa continues to explore untapped investment potential and opportunities, it congratulates the UAE on hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28 Conference in December 2023, where President Ramaphosa is also scheduled to participate.
A Brighter Future through Cooperation and Resilience
As the world faces ongoing global challenges, both the UAE and South Africa remain steadfast in their dedication to promoting peace, dialogue, and support for marginalized communities. By adopting this approach, the two countries are fostering a positive image and forging robust ties of fruitful collaboration and integration with other nations and peoples worldwide.
With the celebration of the UAE’s 52nd National Day, it is evident that the friendship between the UAE and South Africa continues to grow stronger. United by their shared commitment to sustainability and a brighter future, these two nations serve as shining examples of cooperation, resilience, and innovation in the face of adversity.
1. When did the UAE and South Africa establish diplomatic relations?
The UAE and South Africa established diplomatic relations in 1994 during South Africa’s democratic transition.
2. What is the nature of the relationship between the UAE and South Africa?
The UAE and South Africa maintain a legacy of collaboration and friendship, with flourishing economic ties. They share international perspectives and values, and are committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and support for marginalized communities.
3. What is the current state of economic ties between the UAE and South Africa?
The UAE is South Africa’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, and bilateral trade reached R109 billion in 2022, with R42 billion in South African exports and R67 billion in imports.
4. What types of support has the UAE provided to South Africa?
The UAE has provided donations of medical, educational, and other materials and equipment to uplift vulnerable communities and offer relief to those impacted by natural disasters.
5. What is the investment trend in South Africa, and what is the focus?
South Africa aims to raise R2 trillion in investment over the next five years, with an emphasis on renewable energy. Investments in renewable energy projects, such as the Doornhoek solar plant, are increasing.
6. What is the significance of the UAE’s hosting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28 Conference in December 2023?
The UAE’s hosting of the conference is a significant opportunity to address global climate change issues, and South African President Ramaphosa is scheduled to participate.
7. What is the BRICS group, and how does the UAE fit into it?
South Africa is a member of the BRICS group, and the UAE will become one of six new full members starting January 1, 2024. The UAE’s contributions to BRICS are expected to positively influence bilateral cooperation initiatives.
8. What do the UAE and South Africa aim to achieve through their cooperation?
Both nations aim to promote peace, dialogue, and support for marginalized communities, and foster robust ties of fruitful collaboration and integration with other nations and peoples worldwide.
