Ethiopian PM Condemns Iranian Attacks on UAE During High-Level March Visit

Ethiopian PM Visits UAE, Condemns Iranian Strikes

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia visited the United Arab Emirates on March 12-14, 2026, where he met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and publicly condemned recent Iranian missile and drone attacks on UAE soil. The high-level diplomatic visit underscored growing security alignment between the two nations while reinforcing their economic partnership.

During the visit, Dr. Abiy described Iranian actions as violations of state sovereignty and international law. Both leaders called for an immediate halt to regional escalation and emphasized the urgency of diplomatic channels. The visit marks a notable shift in Ethiopian foreign policy, as Addis Ababa has historically maintained formal non-alignment on Gulf disputes. For UAE residents, this public backing strengthens the country's coalition-building efforts in multilateral forums, particularly given that the African Union is headquartered in Addis Ababa.

What Was Discussed

During the March 14 meeting, leaders reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance economic and investment cooperation. Key areas included trade expansion, agricultural development, renewable energy projects, and regional security concerns. While no new formal agreements were announced at the summit, the discussions built on existing frameworks between the two nations.

Background: Existing UAE-Ethiopia Partnership

The UAE and Ethiopia have developed substantial bilateral ties over recent years. In 2024, the two countries' central banks signed a currency swap agreement valued at AED 3 billion and ETB 46 billion. This mechanism allows UAE companies and Ethiopian businesses to trade directly without routing payments through dollar intermediaries, reducing settlement times and hedging costs.

Trade between the nations has shown consistent growth. Non-oil exports from the UAE to Ethiopia have been significant, concentrated in chemicals, industrial machinery, and processed food. The UAE ranks among Ethiopia's top five foreign investors, with substantial deployments across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and energy sectors.

Renewable energy cooperation represents a major component of the partnership. Large-scale solar and energy projects are underway in Ethiopia, positioning Emirati technology firms as regional leaders in distributed energy solutions. Agricultural cooperation has also expanded, with initiatives aimed at improving cultivation techniques and supply-chain infrastructure for Ethiopian products.

Humanitarian Dimension and Climate Cooperation

The March 14 meeting occurred amid challenging circumstances in Ethiopia. Catastrophic flooding and landslides in southern Ethiopia had caused significant loss of life and displacement in areas including the Gamo Zone. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed condolences and affirmed the UAE's commitment to humanitarian assistance.

The UAE has positioned itself as an emerging humanitarian actor across Africa through the Emirates Red Crescent and bilateral aid arrangements. Support for climate adaptation and disaster relief in Ethiopia aligns with the UAE's broader soft-power strategy ahead of major international forums on water and climate issues.

Diaspora and Human Networks

Approximately 500,000 Ethiopian nationals live and work across the Gulf region, with a substantial share in the UAE. Enhanced bilateral cooperation typically translates into tangible benefits for diaspora communities: expedited visa processing, improved labor protections, and more efficient remittance infrastructure. The 2024 currency swap and payment system integration directly serve this population by reducing costs for workers sending earnings home.

For the UAE, strengthened ties to Ethiopian communities create cultural bridges that support commercial cooperation and soft-power objectives.

Looking Forward

The March 2026 visit crystallized a partnership built on pragmatic interests. The UAE views Ethiopia as a frontier market with growth potential and strategic Red Sea location; Ethiopia benefits from Emirati capital and technology expertise. The intersection of security concerns, trade opportunities, investment potential, and humanitarian coordination provides a foundation for sustained cooperation.

Success will depend on effective execution of ongoing projects and initiatives discussed during the visit, including agricultural programs, renewable energy deployment, and enhanced trade facilitation.