The Emirates News Agency reported that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a congratulatory cable to King Philippe of the Belgians. The president conveyed wishes for the king’s good health and for continued prosperity of the Belgian people. He expressed hope that bilateral relations between the UAE and Belgium would see further growth in the coming period.
Similar cables were dispatched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, according to the same agency. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also extended his congratulations on the occasion. The messages arrived as Belgium observed its annual National Day with public events across the country.
Belgium’s National Day on July 21 commemorates the 1831 constitutional oath taken by Leopold I as the first King of the Belgians, according to the Belgian government. The holiday has been marked with parades, concerts and fireworks since the late 19th century. Official records show the date was selected to tie the monarchy closely to the founding of the modern state.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Belgium reached $4.7 billion in 2024, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a March 2025 update. The two countries have expanded cooperation in energy, logistics and manufacturing sectors in recent years. The figure demonstrates steady growth in economic links that complement longstanding diplomatic ties.
The Observatory of Economic Complexity data places Belgium’s exports to the UAE at $3.08 billion against imports of $554 million in recent annual tallies. Belgian shipments have centered on machinery, chemicals and refined goods while the UAE has supplied energy products and services. The Belgian Foreign Trade Agency has described the UAE as an important partner for Belgian enterprises seeking Gulf market access.
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Belgium were established in 1974, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency has documented. High-level visits have taken place in both directions over subsequent decades to strengthen political and economic cooperation. The annual exchange of National Day greetings forms one element of the regular diplomatic calendar observed by both sides.
King Philippe has reigned since 2013 after the abdication of his father Albert II, according to Belgian historical accounts. The National Day festivities typically center on Brussels with additional communal activities nationwide. UAE leaders have transmitted parallel messages in prior years to underline mutual respect between the nations.
