President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, as Switzerland marked its National Day on Saturday.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to President Parmelin.
The greetings underlined the close diplomatic and economic relationship between the UAE and Switzerland at a time when the two countries are expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, scientific research and sustainable development.
Switzerland celebrates its National Day on August 1, commemorating the alliance formed in 1291 by the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. The agreement, regarded as a foundational document of the Swiss Confederation, pledged mutual assistance and helped shape the country’s federal system.
National Day events traditionally include speeches, community gatherings, concerts, bonfires and displays of the Swiss flag. Celebrations are held across the country and among Swiss communities abroad.
Parmelin assumed the rotating presidency of the Swiss Confederation on January 1, succeeding Karin Keller-Sutter. He was elected by the Federal Assembly in December 2025 with 203 votes and is serving as federal president for the second time, having previously held the position in 2021.
A member of the Swiss Federal Council since 2016, Parmelin also heads the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. His responsibilities cover economic policy, trade, agriculture, education, innovation and research, placing him at the centre of Switzerland’s engagement with international commercial partners.
Economic links have become a defining part of relations between Abu Dhabi and Bern. Bilateral trade reached nearly $61 billion in 2025, representing growth of about 130 per cent from the previous year. The expansion lifted Switzerland to third place among the UAE’s largest global trading partners by total trade value.
UAE exports to Switzerland rose to more than $45.5 billion during 2025, while imports from Switzerland stood at about $13.6 billion. Re-exports exceeded $1.7 billion. Precious metals, jewellery, watches, pharmaceuticals, machinery and luxury products account for a substantial share of commercial exchanges.
Switzerland is also a major source of foreign direct investment in the UAE, with investments exceeding $16.6 billion. Swiss businesses operate across finance, commodities trading, pharmaceuticals, engineering, hospitality and retail, while cooperation is broadening into biotechnology, medical technology, alternative fuels and trade finance.
The two governments agreed in February to establish a Joint Economic Committee designed to increase market access, facilitate investment and address obstacles affecting businesses. The committee will also provide a platform for officials and private-sector representatives to exchange expertise and discuss international economic issues.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Parmelin signed the memorandum establishing the mechanism. Meetings are expected to take place every two years, alternating between the UAE and Switzerland, with virtual sessions available when required.
The committee reflects a shift towards more structured economic engagement as both countries seek to strengthen their positions as international centres for finance, investment, commodities and innovation. Their governments have highlighted shared support for open markets, rules-based trade and long-term private-sector partnerships.
Formal relations date to the establishment of the UAE. Switzerland recognised the federation in 1971 and opened a trade office in Abu Dhabi five years later. The office became an embassy in 1982, while a consulate established in Dubai was subsequently upgraded to a consulate general.
The countries have since concluded agreements covering investment protection, scheduled air services, diplomatic travel and the avoidance of double taxation. A free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Free Trade Association, of which Switzerland is a member, entered into force in 2014.
Cooperation also extends to education and scientific research. Swiss institutions and companies have worked with UAE partners on renewable energy, sustainability and advanced technologies. Researchers and students from the UAE are eligible for Swiss government scholarship programmes, supporting academic exchanges between the two countries.
Topics
UAE