The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Rwanda hosted on 28 November 2024 a grand celebration at the Marriott Hotel in Kigali to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the UAE’s founding. The event, attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and invited guests, showcased the strong bilateral relations and growing cooperation between Rwanda and the UAE.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Hon. Olivier Nduhungirehe, represented the Rwandan government at the event, where he emphasized the importance of the partnership between the two nations. In his speech, the UAE’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Hazza AlQahtani, reflected on the remarkable achievements of the UAE since its establishment in 1971 and highlighted the numerous areas of collaboration with Rwanda.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Growth
The UAE and Rwanda enjoy a robust and dynamic partnership, built on mutual trust and shared aspirations for development. Over 20 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the two nations, encompassing education, trade, investment, aviation, hospitality, and infrastructure.
Trade remains a cornerstone of this partnership. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Rwanda reached USD 1.3 billion, with Dubai’s non-oil exports to Rwanda amounting to USD 143.8 million and Rwanda’s exports to Dubai exceeding USD 514.5 million. Investments from UAE companies in Rwanda have surpassed USD 248 million, focusing on transformative sectors such as energy, technology, and real estate.
Major Infrastructure Projects
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has been instrumental in financing key infrastructure projects in Rwanda, contributing significantly to the nation’s growth. Notable completed projects include:
• Rubengera-Muhanga Road Project: Supported with USD 15 million, improving regional connectivity.
• Kigali Airport Project: Funded with a loan of USD 3.81 million, enhancing Rwanda’s aviation infrastructure.
Future projects in the pipeline include:
• Nyabugogo-Mokoto Road (46 km): Estimated at USD 69.5 million, aimed at improving transportation networks.
• Gitikinyoni-Ruri-Gakenke Road (67.7 km): Valued at USD 66.78 million, designed to boost regional trade.
• Karongi Water Treatment Plant Expansion: A USD 25 million project to improve water access and distribution.
These projects underscore the UAE’s commitment to Rwanda’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
Educational Impact
The UAE’s contributions to Rwanda’s education sector have had a lasting impact. The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has supported the Islamic Cultural Center and its Secondary School for Sciences in Kigali for over 14 years. Additionally, the Al Maktoum Foundation has funded secondary schools in Kigali and Muhanga District since 2002, enabling thousands of students to access quality education.
Future-Oriented Vision
Ambassador AlQahtani highlighted the UAE’s ambitious “We the UAE 2031” vision, which outlines a roadmap for the country’s development over the next decade. Key priorities include enhancing its status as a global economic hub, promoting innovation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security.
The UAE’s diversified economy offers numerous opportunities for collaboration with Rwanda, particularly in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, real estate, and technology. These partnerships align with Rwanda’s development goals and reinforce the countries’ shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Climate Leadership and Humanitarian Efforts
The UAE has emerged as a global leader in sustainability and climate diplomacy. With a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the UAE ranks 18th globally in green energy and clean technology investment. The UAE’s leadership at COP28 and its initiatives in renewable energy align closely with Rwanda’s own environmental objectives.
Humanitarian efforts also form a significant aspect of the UAE’s international role. Since its establishment, the UAE has provided AED 358 billion (USD 97 billion) in aid to 206 countries. The UAE’s swift and impactful responses to crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan demonstrate its global commitment to peace and stability.
Deepening Bilateral Relations
The UAE and Rwanda are in advanced discussions to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement aims to further strengthen trade and investment ties, creating new opportunities for economic collaboration.
Conclusion
As Rwanda and the UAE continue to build on their partnership, the event in Kigali was a celebration not only of the UAE’s national achievements but also of the shared vision and cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador AlQahtani concluded the evening by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainable development, and mutual prosperity with Rwanda. “Together, we aim to create new opportunities for innovation, shared growth, and a brighter future for our peoples,” he said.
The celebration, which embodied the spirit of unity and progress, set the stage for even stronger ties between Rwanda and the UAE in the years to come. (End)