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Joko Widodo in UAE: Let's unpack a special relationship UAE and Indonesia share


On Thursday, after concluding his official visit to the UAE, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized strengthening the UAE-Indonesia relationship. During his state visit, Widodo and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met on July 17 to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including the economy, food security, investment, infrastructure, health, education, and climate action.

Indonesian media have praised Widodo's visit to the Gulf state, underscoring the strong relations between the two countries and highlighting the UAE's significance as a key partner for Indonesia in the Middle East.

Depth of UAE-Indonesia Bilateral Relations

The UAE and Indonesia have shared a deep and growing relationship for several decades. As Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation with over 270 million people, and the UAE share common values and a commitment to a rules-based order. Both nations support Palestinian statehood and take strong stances against extremism.

In November 2022, Sheikh Mohamed and President Widodo attended the inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Indonesia. Named after the UAE's founding father, the mosque, a smaller replica of the one in the UAE, symbolizes the depth of their bilateral relations.

Shared Commonalities

Despite geographical distance, the UAE and Indonesia share significant similarities in domestic affairs. Both nations invest heavily in vital megaprojects, develop their tourism sectors, focus on food security, and future-proof their infrastructure against climate change. They maintain openness to the global stage while preserving their religious and cultural heritage.

The human connection between the two countries is also strong, with thousands of Indonesians residing in the UAE, contributing to the Gulf state's rich cosmopolitan culture.

UAE-Indonesia Economic Cooperation After CEPA Deal

In 2022, the UAE and Indonesia signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant milestone in their economic cooperation. Since then, bilateral trade has increased substantially. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion within five years. In 2014, when President Widodo took office, bilateral non-oil trade was $2.7 billion, reaching $4.4 billion by 2023.

President Widodo emphasized enhancing collaboration in clean energy, environmental protection, and climate action, aiming to further strengthen bilateral relations.

UAE and Indonesia Ink 8 Vital Deals

1. Agreement to install solar energy systems on industrial and commercial rooftops in Indonesia.
2. MoU on public budget management.
3. MoU on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
4. MoU on smart payment systems.
5. MoU on the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo Mangrove Research Centre.
6. MoU on cooperation in real estate development, tourism investment, and management of airports and hotels.
7. Agreement on maritime patrol aircraft.
8. Deal between Dubai International Financial Centre and Nusantara Capital Authority.
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