According to the Emirates News Agency, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to King Mswati III on the occasion of Eswatini’s Independence Day. The UAE leader expressed wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the king, government and people of the southern African kingdom. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, conveyed similar greetings, as did Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The exchange of messages highlights the friendly relations between the two countries, which have grown through diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation. Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, achieved independence from Britain on September 6, 1968, according to historical records from Britannica. The annual celebration, known as Somhlolo Day, features traditional dances, cultural performances and official ceremonies at Somhlolo Stadium in the royal capital of Lobamba.
Bilateral ties received a boost with the signing of a bilateral investment treaty in February 2025 between the UAE and Eswatini. Eswatini’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo signed the agreement on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, local reports from the Eswatini Observer stated. This pact followed a double taxation avoidance agreement concluded in August 2024 and includes provisions for an annual joint committee on investments.
United Nations Comtrade data places UAE exports to Eswatini at $6.74 million in 2023, a decline from $43.48 million the previous year. Primary exported goods included non-knitted clothing, articles of stone and cement, as well as pearls, precious stones and jewelry. The trade relationship forms part of broader economic links that both nations have sought to expand in recent years.
UNCTAD statistics indicate Eswatini had a population of 1.243 million and GDP of $4.9 billion in 2024, with merchandise exports growing by 11 percent that year. The kingdom has pursued stronger partnerships with Gulf states to support development across sectors including trade and investment. UAE officials have participated in initiatives aimed at fostering these connections.
The congratulations align with the UAE’s diplomatic practice of marking national days of partner countries across Africa and beyond. Such communications reinforce mutual respect and open avenues for collaboration on regional and international issues. Both sides have expressed interest in deepening ties through existing frameworks for cooperation.
