Ethiopia, UAE Enjoying Model Partnership, Says Ambassador Jemal

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forged ideal diplomatic relations that transcend generations, Jemal Beker, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the UAE, said.

Since 2018, Ethiopia and the UAE have built a multifaceted, strategic alliance grounded in mutual trust, including solid collaborations in renewable energy and technology.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Jemal said Ethiopia is undergoing deep reforms led by the reformist government.   

He noted that Ethiopia has, in particular, established an ideal diplomatic relationship with the United Arab Emirates after the reformist government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office.      

Commending the strong relationship between the leaders of the two countries, the Ambassador stressed the need for this relationship to further evolve down to the institutions, to the people, and to become intergenerational.

With regard to the economy, he noted that Ethiopia has been undertaking a reform that has opened up a new opportunity not only to the United Arab Emirates but also to other foreign businesses working and seeking opportunities in Ethiopia. 

Noting the strategic location of Ethiopia to the Middle East and the rest of the world, Ambassador Jemal elaborated that “within eight hours of flight, we can reach more than half of the global population. (And) this is an amazing geographical location.”  

The country is the second most populous nation in the continent, and 70 percent of the young population is easily trainable.  

Ethiopia provides cheap, clean, and green energy supported by the government's readiness to accommodate and welcome all investors.  

As a result, the country is becoming a global investment destination, one of the biggest economies in Africa, and the fastest growing economy in the world, he noted.

Ethiopia, which has been opening up its economy, is now becoming a global destination, and the country’s business environment is becoming more favorable for investors, the Ambassador pointed out.

The country has also made significant strides in ease of doing business and fostering one-stop service as business is booming in Ethiopia, he added. 

Ambassador Jemal called on investors, including those from the UAE, to invest in Ethiopia in the priority areas: agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, and technology.

He also encouraged investors to engage in tourism, the hospitality sector, urban development, and real estate.

The relationship between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has evolved into a comprehensive and strategic partnership anchored in diplomatic solidarity.