UAE-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations reached a new milestone as His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates, met with His Excellency Nguyen Hoa Binh, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam. The high-level meeting, held at the Ruler’s Court in Dubai, highlighted the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations, boost trade and investment, and promote cooperation across multiple sectors including finance, technology, and tourism.
This meeting reflects a shared vision between the UAE and Vietnam to build a sustainable partnership that benefits both nations, enhances economic growth, and fosters cultural understanding. Over the years, the UAE and Vietnam have steadily developed a strong relationship, and this engagement is a clear signal of their determination to take this partnership to a higher level.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The UAE and Vietnam have a long-standing history of diplomatic engagement, beginning with the establishment of formal ties in 1993. Over the years, this relationship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership, with both nations recognizing the strategic importance of collaboration. The meeting between Sheikh Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen emphasized this commitment, highlighting areas where cooperation can be expanded and deepened.
During the discussions, both leaders reflected on the progress achieved since the inception of their partnership and identified opportunities for future collaboration. Sheikh Maktoum expressed his appreciation for Vietnam’s development journey and emphasized the UAE’s readiness to support initiatives that drive innovation, economic growth, and regional stability. Both sides acknowledged that sustained engagement and mutual support are essential to addressing shared challenges and achieving long-term prosperity.
Enhancing Economic Cooperation and Trade
Economic cooperation was a central focus of the meeting. Vietnam has emerged as one of the UAE’s most important non-oil trading partners within the ASEAN region. Trade between the two countries has steadily increased, highlighting the growing business confidence and the strong potential for future investment.
The leaders discussed strategies to enhance trade, streamline business procedures, and encourage investment flows in both directions. Sheikh Maktoum stressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting initiatives that make trade more efficient, accessible, and mutually beneficial. Vietnam expressed its intention to expand business cooperation with the UAE in key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy.
Additionally, both leaders agreed on the importance of finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to further facilitate trade, reduce barriers, and create a conducive environment for investors. With this agreement, the goal is to significantly increase bilateral trade, open new avenues for businesses, and strengthen economic ties between the UAE and Vietnam.
Financial Services and Investment Opportunities
Financial services and investment opportunities were also extensively discussed. Vietnam expressed interest in leveraging the UAE’s expertise in establishing international financial hubs and developing financial institutions that attract global talent and investment. Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the UAE’s experience in creating globally recognized financial centers, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Both leaders explored ways to collaborate on financial projects, support investment flows, and enhance the ease of doing business between the two countries. Initiatives to develop a robust financial ecosystem in Vietnam were discussed, with the UAE offering technical support, expertise, and guidance based on its successful experience in financial governance and innovation.
The meeting also focused on creating opportunities for Vietnamese companies to access the UAE’s financial markets, as well as for Emirati investors to explore strategic investments in Vietnam. This cooperation is expected to foster economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the financial sectors of both nations.
Tourism, Connectivity, and Cultural Exchange
Tourism and connectivity were another key topic. Both nations agreed that enhancing people-to-people connections is essential for deepening bilateral ties. Emirates Airline currently operates numerous weekly flights to Vietnam, providing an important bridge for business and leisure travel. The meeting highlighted the potential to expand travel options, facilitate tourism, and encourage investment in the hospitality sector.
Both leaders also discussed initiatives to promote cultural exchange and tourism collaborations. Facilitating smoother visa processes for UAE citizens and entrepreneurs seeking to explore Vietnam was considered an important step toward strengthening bilateral engagement. Additionally, initiatives to showcase Vietnamese culture in the UAE and Emirati culture in Vietnam were identified as effective ways to deepen mutual understanding and promote tourism growth.
The UAE and Vietnam recognize that tourism is not just an economic activity but also a vital tool for fostering trust, cultural awareness, and strong interpersonal connections. By increasing tourist flows and promoting cultural exchange programs, both countries aim to build lasting relationships between their people.
Collaboration in Technology and Innovation
The UAE and Vietnam also underscored the critical role of technology and innovation in driving economic growth. Both nations are keen to embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart city development. Vietnam expressed interest in learning from the UAE’s experience in developing technological ecosystems, attracting talent, and creating innovation-friendly environments.
Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the UAE’s achievements in building smart cities and digital infrastructure, which have positioned the country as a global hub for innovation. The leaders discussed partnerships in research and development, technology transfer, and the creation of joint innovation hubs. They also explored ways to support startups, promote entrepreneurship, and provide technical education and training programs that equip the next generation with skills for the digital economy.
This cooperation in technology and innovation is expected to accelerate economic diversification, foster sustainable growth, and create high-value opportunities for both countries. By sharing expertise and resources, the UAE and Vietnam aim to build a knowledge-based partnership that benefits both nations for years to come.
Future Outlook and Strategic Partnership
The meeting between Sheikh Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen marks a pivotal moment in UAE-Vietnam diplomatic relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership that benefits citizens, businesses, and government institutions in both countries.
Plans were announced for a UAE-Vietnam Investment Conference to be held in Vietnam in early 2026. This conference is expected to bring together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both nations to explore investment opportunities, discuss strategic projects, and build networks that support economic growth.
The UAE and Vietnam also emphasized their shared vision of promoting regional stability, sustainable development, and cooperation across multiple sectors. By strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, both countries aim to demonstrate that strategic partnerships, mutual respect, and shared goals can drive prosperity and positive outcomes for their citizens.
Conclusion
UAE-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations are entering a promising phase, marked by collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. The high-level meeting between Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh showcased the dedication of both nations to expand bilateral trade, develop financial services, enhance tourism, promote technology and innovation, and foster cultural exchange.
As the UAE and Vietnam continue to build strong diplomatic and economic ties, this partnership is expected to serve as a model for international cooperation. With shared goals, strategic collaboration, and mutual respect, the two nations are poised to achieve sustainable growth, create opportunities for their citizens, and contribute to a prosperous and stable region.
The ongoing engagement between the UAE and Vietnam highlights the importance of diplomacy, strategic foresight, and proactive leadership. It also demonstrates that when nations work together with a shared vision, they can unlock significant economic, social, and cultural benefits. The future of UAE-Vietnam relations looks bright, with promising initiatives and partnerships that will continue to strengthen the bond between these two nations for years to come.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – UAE Passport Now Among World’s Most Powerful, Ranks 8th Globally
