Official Visit of UAE President to Georgia and Overview of Bilateral Economic Relations

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has paid an official visit to Georgia. A high-level meeting was held at the Government Administration of Georgia, attended by cabinet members from both countries. According to the Administration, discussions focused on the positive dynamics of political and economic cooperation between Georgia and the UAE.

It is noteworthy that since June 27, 2023, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Georgia and the UAE has been in force, aimed at boosting trade and investment ties.

Investments

The first foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE entered Georgia in 2003. The peak was recorded in 2008, when $306.6 million was invested. Investment inflows have since fluctuated from year to year.

• In 2024, FDI from the UAE amounted to $36.1 million.

• In the first six months of 2025 alone, the figure reached $43.8 million, almost doubling on a yearly basis.

A landmark development is the announcement by major Emirati real estate developers — Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills — to invest $6 billion in Georgia over the next five years. The companies plan to implement two large-scale projects:

• Gonio (260 hectares)

• Fonichala, near Tbilisi (590 hectares)

According to the Georgian government, these projects will start to have a direct fiscal impact from 2026.

Trade

Trade turnover between Georgia and the UAE has shown growth since 2021.

• The peak was in 2022 with $314.2 million.

• From January to August 2025, turnover decreased slightly by 3.4%, amounting to $222.8 million.

Exports:

• Exports totaled $25 million, down 21.5%.

• TOP 5 export products:

  1. Light motor vehicles — $7.1 million

  2. Oil and oil products — $4.8 million

  3. Gold (unwrought, semi-finished, or in powder form) — $1.1 million

  4. Parts of tractors, light and heavy vehicles — $960,100

  5. Pneumatic/hydraulic hand tools — $682,400

Imports:

• Imports amounted to $197.8 million (down 0.5%).

• TOP 5 import products:

  1. Telephone sets — $91.3 million

  2. Computers and related components — $11.4 million

  3. Light motor vehicles — $8.8 million

  4. Cigars, cigarillos, and cigarettes — $6.6 million

  5. Microphones and loudspeakers — $6 million

Tourism

Tourism from the UAE to Georgia has been on a steady rise in recent years.

• In 2023, a record 15,636 visits were recorded, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

• In the first six months of 2025, the figure stood at 6,734 visits.