Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have enjoyed nearly five decades of strong bilateral relations marked by cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for prosperity. Over the years, the two nations have worked closely to deepen their partnership across various sectors. In this context, His Excellency Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Alshamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nepal, carries the important responsibility of further advancing these growing ties. The Diplomat Nepal magazine spoke with Ambassador Alshamsi about the evolving relationship between Nepal and the UAE, ongoing areas of cooperation, his experiences in Nepal, and other key issues shaping bilateral engagement.
Nepal and the UAE have had almost five decades of relationship. How do you see the growing relationship between the two countries?
Nepal and the UAE established diplomatic relations on 22 January 1977, and their ties have gradually expanded since. Small-scale migration of Nepali workers to the UAE began in the 1980s, since then the UAE became a major employer of Nepalis. Nepal opened its residential Embassy in Abu Dhabi on 11 April 2004 and the UAE opened its resident mission in Kathmandu on 10 May 2016. Today, the UAE is one of the top destinations for Nepali migrant workers. More than 450,000 Nepalis live and work in the UAE and the remittances from the UAE form a significant part of Nepal’s foreign income, helping sustain families and contributing to Nepal’s GDP. Nepal–UAE relations have grown steadily, driven mainly by labor migration, remittances and aviation links. Direct air connectivity has expanded through Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Nepal Airlines, making the UAE a key transit hub for Nepalis.
The UAE has welcomed around 450,000 Nepali migrant workers. How do you view their role in contributing to the UAE’s growing economy?
Nepali migrant workers have been making significant contributions to the UAE’s economic growth. They are working across sectors such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, and more. The Nepali government is also making efforts to expand employment opportunities and improve working conditions for Nepalis in the UAE. Some initiatives include skill development programs to prepare workers for skilled and semi-skilled jobs. The deepening economic ties between Nepal and the UAE continue to benefit both countries, with Nepali workers contributing to both the UAE and Nepal’s economies.
You arrived in Nepal at the end of 2022. After spending three years, how would you describe your experience in Nepal so far?
Nepal is a beautiful and peaceful country. The people of Nepal are very kind, enthusiastic, and hardworking. I enjoy my stay in Nepal and perform my duties as the Ambassador of the UAE to Nepal in cooperation with the Government of Nepal.
You are one of the active ambassadors in Nepal. What is your main goal to achieve here?
It’s part of my job to further strengthen friendship and cooperation between UAE and Nepal. I am also trying to promote political, economic and cultural ties, encourage trade and investment between the two countries.
How do you see high-level engagement between the two countries?
The two countries have signed a number of MoUs and agreements, including the Air Services Agreement signed on 28 September 2019, MoU on the Recruitment, Employment and Repatriation of Workers signed on 14 June 2019, and to promote bilateral trade and commerce, an MoU signed between the FNCCI-Nepal and UAEFCCI in April 2010. There have also been significant high-level visits exchanged between the UAE and Nepal such as the visit of the Rt. Hon. Bidya Devi Bhandari, former President of Nepal to the UAE during 13-16 Nov 2017, and visit of the Rt. Hon. Pushpa Kamal Dahal to UAE in Nov 2023, leading the Nepali delegation to COP2028. Similarly, His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, visited Nepal on 22-23 April 2025. His visit included discussions to promote trade, investment and tourism.
UAE is not only a destination for migrant workers, but also a tourism hub and a country with significant potential to invest in countries like Nepal. Do you see any further investment by the UAE in Nepal in the coming days?
The UAE has a strong and long-standing desire to invest in Nepal, particularly in the sectors of energy (hydropower and solar), tourism, agriculture, and Information and communications Technology. The UAE officials and business leaders have repeatedly highlighted this interest during high-level meetings and business forums. Increasing UAE investment in Nepal was a major topic during the recent visit of His Highness Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates in April 2025. But resolving challenges like double taxation, bilateral investment agreements, and other pending agreements could significantly boost UAE investments in Nepal.
How would you describe Nepal from an art and culture perspective?
Nepal is a land of rich heritage and creativity. It is known for its beautiful temples, sculptures, paintings, and traditional crafts that reflect deep religious and cultural values. Nepali art combines influences from Hinduism and Buddhism, seen in the elegant pagoda-style temples, stone carvings, and thangka paintings. Each region of Nepal has its own unique music, dance, and festivals that celebrate life, nature, and spirituality. The vibrant colors, detailed architecture, and centuries-old traditions make Nepal a living museum of art and culture, where history and beauty exist together in everyday life.
