As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, their partnership continues to expand into new areas of mutual interest.

Jakarta (Indonsia Window) - Cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia is gaining momentum across trade, investment, renewable energy, environmental protection, and technology, including the digital economy.

As the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, their partnership continues to expand into new areas of mutual interest.

This was highlighted by Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, during the President University Ambassador Lecture (PUAL), Thursday (Oct. 8)

He underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the UAE Embassy and President University, particularly by engaging students and the younger generation in understanding bilateral relations and the opportunities they offer.

Economic cooperation has been a key driver of the growing partnership. The UAE–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on 1 July 2022 and entering into force on 1 September 2023, provides a framework for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

Bilateral non-oil trade in goods increased from 1.92 billion US dollarss in 2020 to 5.84 billion US dollars in 2025, representing growth of 204.2 percent or an increase of 3.92 billion US dollas.

The agreement covers more than 90 percent of tariff lines and over 94 percent of the value of trade, creating greater opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Renewable energy is another important pillar of the UAE–Indonesia cooperation. One prominent example is the Cirata floating solar power plant, developed through cooperation between Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power.

The project, with a capacity of 145 megawatts of alternating current (MWac), equivalent to 192 megawatt-peak (MWp), was commissioned in November 2023.

Plans have also been discussed to expand the project by 500 MW and develop floating solar power at the Jatigede Reservoir.

Cooperation also extends to geothermal energy through Masdar’s strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy, as well as plans to develop up to two gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, beginning with an initial 200 MW phase.

In the energy sector, Mubadala Energy, which has operated in Indonesia since 2004, has also contributed to the development of the country’s natural gas resources, including through discoveries in the South Andaman area.

Environmental protection and climate action remain central to the bilateral agenda. The UAE and Indonesia jointly launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP27 in 2022.

The alliance has since grown to include 47 countries, with the UAE and Indonesia serving as co-leaders.

In June 2026, cooperation between the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council and Indonesia was also advanced to apply artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to mangrove rehabilitation and monitoring.

Another significant initiative is the Mohamed bin Zayed–Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre in Bali, for which the groundbreaking ceremony took place in May 2024.

The UAE has committed 10 million US dollars to support the centre.

The UAE has also committed 20 million US dollars to Indonesia’s Clean Rivers initiative, which aims to address plastic pollution and reduce the amount of waste entering rivers and seas.

These efforts reflect the shared commitment of both countries to protecting the environment and advancing sustainable development.

Water cooperation is also set to receive greater international attention when the UAE and Senegal co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026.

Beyond economic and environmental cooperation, the UAE and Indonesia maintain a broad development partnership covering healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, and community welfare.

Examples include the Emirates Indonesia Cardiology Hospital in Solo, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo, tuberculosis-control programmes, and grants provided through the UAE Red Crescent.

The relationship has also benefited from sustained engagement between the two countries’ leaders.

President Prabowo Subianto has visited the UAE four times since his inauguration, building on the close ties developed during the administration of former President Joko Widodo.

The Ambassador emphasised that the UAE’s partnership with Indonesia is not limited to individual projects, but is aimed at building long-term cooperation that benefits both countries and their peoples.

The message is clear: the UAE invests not only in projects, but also in partnerships; not only in infrastructure, but also in people; and not only in the present, but also in the shared future of the two nations.

The UAE Embassy stands ready to support initiatives that further strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for cooperation.

Reporting by Indonesia Window