Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).
The Presidency said President Ramaphosa’s visit from 12-13 January 2026 was at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the ASDW.
The ADSW is an annual event hosted in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
The 2026 event will be held from 11-15 January 2026, under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.
The ADSW summit brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability.
South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.
In 2024, bilateral trade between both countries reached US$5,22 billion.
South Africa’s exports to the UAE totalled US$2,68 billion, reflecting an increase of 5.53% compared to 2023.
Imports from the UAE amounted to US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25,8% over the same period.
As a result, South Africa recorded a trade deficit of US$284 million in 2004.
The strong trade relations underscore the importance of the UAE as a strategic economic partner for South Africa in the Middle East and highlight ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The President will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment, as well as other high-level sessions of the summit.
During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.
The President is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa departs from OR Tambo International Airport this evening for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE to participate in the Abu Dhabi… pic.twitter.com/3cLYpaCJXp
— The Presidency
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