UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to Ülle Madise following her election as the new president of Estonia, the Emirates News Agency reported Thursday. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched parallel messages to both Madise and Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The communications reflect standard diplomatic practice after the parliamentary selection of a new head of state and underscore the UAE’s engagement with European partners.
Estonia’s parliament elected Madise on September 2 with 71 votes in favor, clearing the 68-vote threshold in a single round, according to the national electoral commission. The 51-year-old chancellor of justice ran unopposed after no other candidate met the nomination criteria of support from at least 21 members of the 101-seat Riigikogu. She will take the oath of office on October 12, becoming the second woman to hold the position after replacing one-term President Alar Karis.
Following the ballot, Madise told assembled lawmakers, “I will do my best to be worthy of this trust. I hope that through mutual understanding, debating vigorously when necessary while still supporting one another, we can accomplish a great deal together for Estonia, so that life in Estonia is happy, good and safe.” A legal scholar with degrees from the University of Tartu and a doctorate from Tallinn University of Technology, Madise has overseen constitutional matters since 2015. Her selection drew backing from multiple political factions, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported.
Non-oil trade between Dubai and Estonia climbed 10 percent in 2024 to AED 542.3 million, Dubai Chambers data shows. Active Estonian company memberships in the chamber rose 37 percent to 95 by the middle of 2025, with 15 new entrants in the first six months of the year alone. Business forums between the sides have targeted collaboration in advanced technology, digital services, renewable energy and agritech as avenues to build on the existing economic relationship.
Estonia allocated 5.4 percent of gross domestic product to defence spending this year, among NATO’s highest shares, a Reuters assessment found. The country of 1.4 million has maintained a firm stance on regional security issues while advancing its reputation as a digital innovator within the European Union. The latest leadership transition occurs against this backdrop of both external vigilance and internal modernization.
The UAE and Estonia have exchanged similar messages on occasions such as Estonia’s Independence Day earlier in 2026, according to prior Emirates News Agency dispatches. These interactions form part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties that include memorandums on food security technology and investments in robotics. The congratulatory notes from Abu Dhabi arrive as both nations explore expanded partnerships in innovation-driven sectors.
