The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Saif Abdulla Alshamisi, Assistant Undersecretary for Protocol Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of Bernd Alexander Bayerl as Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the United Arab Emirates. The announcement detailed the meeting that took place on August 20 2026 at the ministry headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Such receptions form a standard diplomatic step preceding the formal presentation of credentials to the UAE President. The ministry noted that the process enables the ambassador to commence duties aimed at strengthening existing relations.
A statement from the ministry framed the event under the heading MoFA receives credentials copy from Ambassador of Republic of Austria and emphasised the routine nature of these engagements with incoming diplomats from partner nations. The ministry has conducted comparable receptions regularly in recent years to manage its extensive diplomatic network. WAM coverage of these occasions consistently highlights their role in sustaining productive international partnerships for the UAE.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Austria reached 2.1 billion dollars in 2025 according to GCC Business News which placed the increase at 16.4 percent compared with the prior year. Austria’s Federal Ministry for Labour and Economy data shows its exports to the UAE attained a record 845 million euros during 2025. The positive trade balance reflects established commercial exchanges in areas such as machinery, technology components and specialised services.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in the 1970s with embassies opened in each capital to support ongoing dialogue. A range of agreements on economic cooperation and cultural exchange have been concluded since that time. Statistics Austria figures indicate that the MENA region including the UAE accounted for 1.6 percent of Austria’s overall trade volume in 2025.
The latest credential reception follows a similar step taken with a previous Austrian ambassador in September 2022 as documented on the ministry media hub. Austrian representatives have repeatedly described the UAE as a strategic hub for accessing broader Middle East markets. The two sides maintain active coordination within multilateral forums on topics including sustainability and global economic stability.
Ministry statements on the appointment serve as an official record that the Austrian government has assigned its new envoy. The procedure also opens channels for immediate discussion of shared priorities before the full ceremonial presentation occurs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes updates on these diplomatic developments through its official channels and partner news agencies.
