President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to President Ali Bongo Ondimba on the occasion of Gabon’s Independence Day observed on August 17. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to both the president and the prime minister. The gestures of goodwill were announced on Monday by the Emirates News Agency.
This annual exchange of messages reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The UAE and Gabon have pursued closer economic links in recent years with a focus on trade diversification and investment. A bilateral investment treaty concluded in 2019 has laid groundwork for expanded cooperation according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development records.
The two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in February 2026 to accelerate bilateral commerce. Non-oil trade between them reached $320.7 million in 2025 more than double the level from 2021 according to UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade figures. The pact targets tariff reductions and new opportunities in mining agriculture and energy sectors.
Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi noted that the agreement will support joint ventures and small and medium-sized enterprises. The UAE has concluded 37 such comprehensive economic partnership agreements to date with 18 now in full effect a ministry assessment found. Gabon stands to benefit from increased investment flows under the framework the ministry added.
Gabon remains a significant exporter of petroleum manganese and timber while the UAE has channeled resources into African infrastructure projects. Discussions between officials from both sides have continued since the partnership agreement was signed to identify further collaboration areas. The arrangement aligns with broader UAE efforts to build trade networks across Africa.
Bilateral non-oil trade volumes are expected to rise substantially in the years ahead as the new agreement takes hold. The partnership also seeks to promote small and medium enterprise participation in cross-border activities. UAE officials have described the CEPA as a platform for sustainable economic ties with Gabon in statements released after the February signing.
