From 16 to 17 September, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Josep Borrell, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to further strengthen the strategic relationship between the EU and the UAE.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, HR/VP Borrell met with key UAE officials, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President; as well as Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs.

These discussions provided an important opportunity to explore concrete ways to further enhance EU-UAE strategic relations, with a particular focus on the upcoming EU-GCC Summit in Brussels on 16 October. The talks also addressed critical regional and international challenges, including peace and stability efforts in the Middle East.

In addition to his diplomatic meetings, HR/VP Borrell took the opportunity to visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. During a guided tour, he learned about the mosque’s significance and its commitment to promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

Borrell also visited the Dubai International Humanitarian City, the largest humanitarian logistics hub in the world. He acknowledged its pivotal role in distributing humanitarian aid globally, including contributions from the EU’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) programme. During his tour, Borrell met with the heads of several UN agencies based in the UAE, engaging in a meaningful discussion about ongoing humanitarian crises in the region and beyond.

At the end of his visit, HR/VP Borrell held a press conference with local and international media, where he shared the outcomes of his discussions in the UAE. He emphasised the EU’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation in the Middle East, particularly regarding efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Borrell highlighted the urgency of peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance in the region. For further details, please read the full press remarks here.