UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with Hakan Fidan, foreign minister of Turkey, signalling a continued push to expand bilateral cooperation across political, economic and security spheres amid a broader recalibration of regional alliances.
The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, brought together senior officials from both sides and focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, enhancing trade flows and coordinating positions on key regional developments. The two leaders also exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings, reflecting a tone of cordiality that has come to define ties after years of strained engagement.
Discussions centred on accelerating economic partnerships, with both countries seeking to build on a period of renewed cooperation that began in 2021. That shift saw the UAE and Turkey move from a phase of geopolitical rivalry to pragmatic engagement, driven by shared economic interests and a changing regional landscape shaped by shifting alliances and global uncertainty.
Trade and investment have become central pillars of the relationship. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, supported by agreements designed to remove barriers and encourage private sector participation. A comprehensive economic partnership agreement signed in 2023 has played a significant role in expanding non-oil trade, with both governments aiming to push volumes higher over the coming years.
Officials familiar with the talks indicated that discussions also covered collaboration in energy, logistics, defence industries and advanced technologies. Turkey’s industrial base and the UAE’s capital strength have created opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure development across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
Security cooperation formed another key component of the dialogue. Both sides reviewed regional tensions and emphasised the need for stability through diplomatic engagement. The Gulf region continues to face complex challenges linked to maritime security, energy supply routes and evolving geopolitical rivalries, making coordination between influential regional actors increasingly important.
The meeting also underscored Ankara’s efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states following a period of economic pressure at home. Turkey has actively sought foreign investment and currency inflows, while the UAE has positioned itself as a strategic investor in emerging markets, including Turkey’s technology and financial sectors.
Analysts note that the warming of relations reflects a broader trend in the region, where countries are prioritising economic resilience and diversification over ideological divisions. The UAE has expanded its diplomatic outreach across multiple fronts, engaging with partners ranging from Israel to Iran, while Turkey has recalibrated its foreign policy to reduce tensions with several Arab states.
Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering partnerships that promote stability and prosperity, while Fidan highlighted Turkey’s interest in deepening cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. Both sides stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing regional conflicts and enhancing economic integration.
The evolving relationship has already produced tangible outcomes. Investment flows from the UAE into Turkey have increased, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, fintech and logistics. Turkish companies, in turn, have expanded their footprint in Gulf markets, benefiting from infrastructure projects and construction opportunities.
Beyond economic ties, cultural and people-to-people exchanges are also gaining momentum. Tourism between the two countries has seen growth, supported by improved connectivity and visa facilitation measures. These developments are contributing to a more balanced and multifaceted partnership.
The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, brought together senior officials from both sides and focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, enhancing trade flows and coordinating positions on key regional developments. The two leaders also exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings, reflecting a tone of cordiality that has come to define ties after years of strained engagement.
Discussions centred on accelerating economic partnerships, with both countries seeking to build on a period of renewed cooperation that began in 2021. That shift saw the UAE and Turkey move from a phase of geopolitical rivalry to pragmatic engagement, driven by shared economic interests and a changing regional landscape shaped by shifting alliances and global uncertainty.
Trade and investment have become central pillars of the relationship. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, supported by agreements designed to remove barriers and encourage private sector participation. A comprehensive economic partnership agreement signed in 2023 has played a significant role in expanding non-oil trade, with both governments aiming to push volumes higher over the coming years.
Officials familiar with the talks indicated that discussions also covered collaboration in energy, logistics, defence industries and advanced technologies. Turkey’s industrial base and the UAE’s capital strength have created opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure development across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
Security cooperation formed another key component of the dialogue. Both sides reviewed regional tensions and emphasised the need for stability through diplomatic engagement. The Gulf region continues to face complex challenges linked to maritime security, energy supply routes and evolving geopolitical rivalries, making coordination between influential regional actors increasingly important.
The meeting also underscored Ankara’s efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states following a period of economic pressure at home. Turkey has actively sought foreign investment and currency inflows, while the UAE has positioned itself as a strategic investor in emerging markets, including Turkey’s technology and financial sectors.
Analysts note that the warming of relations reflects a broader trend in the region, where countries are prioritising economic resilience and diversification over ideological divisions. The UAE has expanded its diplomatic outreach across multiple fronts, engaging with partners ranging from Israel to Iran, while Turkey has recalibrated its foreign policy to reduce tensions with several Arab states.
Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering partnerships that promote stability and prosperity, while Fidan highlighted Turkey’s interest in deepening cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. Both sides stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing regional conflicts and enhancing economic integration.
The evolving relationship has already produced tangible outcomes. Investment flows from the UAE into Turkey have increased, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, fintech and logistics. Turkish companies, in turn, have expanded their footprint in Gulf markets, benefiting from infrastructure projects and construction opportunities.
Beyond economic ties, cultural and people-to-people exchanges are also gaining momentum. Tourism between the two countries has seen growth, supported by improved connectivity and visa facilitation measures. These developments are contributing to a more balanced and multifaceted partnership.
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