President Cyril Ramaphosa has touched down in the United Arab Emirates, commencing a pivotal three-day State Visit at the official invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The visit, marking a significant deepening of bilateral ties, strategically coincides with the world-leading Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, where President Ramaphosa is slated to deliver a keynote address.
Air Force One landed at the Presidential Flight in Abu Dhabi on Monday morning, where the South African delegation was received with full ceremonial honours. The visit is poised to blend high-level diplomatic engagement with a focused push on climate investment, reflecting the core pillars of South Africa’s foreign policy and economic recovery plans.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
The official itinerary underscores the comprehensive nature of the South Africa-UAE relationship. Following a formal welcoming ceremony at the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, Presidents Ramaphosa and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are scheduled for private talks expected to cover a wide agenda. Key discussion points include:
- Enhanced Trade and Investment: Building on the UAE’s status as one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and a crucial source of foreign direct investment. Talks will likely focus on sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, energy, and technology.
- Global Governance Reforms: Aligning positions on the need for a more inclusive multilateral system, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
- Regional and International Issues: Exchanging perspectives on matters of mutual concern in Africa and the Middle East.
A high-level business forum, featuring CEOs and sovereign wealth fund representatives from both nations, is also planned to translate political commitments into tangible commercial partnerships.
A Platform for a Just Energy Transition at ADSW 2026
A central highlight of the visit will be the President’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global platform for accelerating sustainable development. President Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a major policy address at the Summit, focusing on “South Africa’s Just Energy Transition: Partnerships for Inclusive Growth.”
His speech is anticipated to outline the country’s progress and substantial investment needs in moving from coal dependency to a greener economy, while safeguarding jobs and community livelihoods. The UAE, a global leader in renewable energy and green technology, is viewed as a critical strategic partner in this endeavour.
“The partnership between South Africa and the UAE is one of strategic importance, founded on mutual respect and shared aspirations for development and a sustainable future,” said Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya ahead of the visit. “This trip is an opportunity to strengthen those bonds and to showcase South Africa’s commitment and plan for a just energy transition to a global audience of investors and innovators.”
Expected Outcomes and Delegation
The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements, potentially spanning fields such as science and innovation, climate cooperation, and visa facilitation to boost tourism.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by a ministerial delegation including the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy, and Tourism. A cohort of South African business leaders from the renewable energy, finance, and infrastructure sectors is also participating, aiming to secure deals and forge new alliances.
The President’s engagement at ADSW will also include bilateral meetings with other world leaders and heads of global financial institutions attending the summit, positioning South Africa at the heart of the international dialogue on climate finance and sustainable infrastructure.
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