Overview of Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Singapore were established on May 15, 1985, setting a model for sustainable international cooperation. Recognizing the importance of these bilateral ties, the UAE opened its embassy in Singapore in 2001, and diplomatic representation was upgraded in 2010. On the other hand, Singapore established a consulate in Dubai in November 1996, which was upgraded to a consulate general in 2006, followed by the opening of its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2007.
Since then, relations between the two nations have witnessed continuous growth and development, significantly enhancing and deepening their cooperation across all sectors. This strong relationship has been further reinforced through several strategic agreements, including the Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed in March 2005 during the visit of Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, then Minister of Economy, to Singapore. This agreement paved the way for a series of partnerships across various sectors.
The UAE-Singapore relationship is characterized by mutual respect and a strong commitment to further development for shared interests. This commitment is evident in the expansion of bilateral ties into diverse fields. Today, the UAE hosts over 600 Singaporean companies operating in key sectors such as infrastructure, construction, real estate, telecommunications, transportation, water treatment, and information technology.
In February 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may God protect him) made a historic visit to Singapore, where he met with then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. During the visit, both countries agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership (SUCP)—the first official framework of its kind between Singapore and any Middle Eastern country. This agreement aims to deepen existing areas of cooperation while exploring new opportunities for mutual benefit, covering:
1. Political exchanges
2. Trade, industry, and investment
3. Financial cooperation
4. Defense and security collaboration
5. Sustainable development and energy
6. Education and human resource development
7. Healthcare
This comprehensive framework underscores the importance of UAE-Singapore relations and paves the way for promising future cooperation.
