Prabowo and UAE President forge stronger strategic ties in Abu Dhabi
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto met United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Qasr Al Bahr Palace on Thursday, strengthening rapidly expanding strategic and economic ties between the two nations.
The bilateral meeting, part of Prabowo’s official visit, highlighted Indonesia-UAE relations that have grown steadily in recent years.
MBZ personally welcomed Prabowo, setting a warm, collegial tone for discussions on diplomacy, investment, and long-term economic cooperation.
Held in the palace gardens with delegations seated in a circular formation, the talks emphasized mutual respect and open dialogue. Abu Dhabi’s sunset and palm trees created an intimate, ceremonial atmosphere for the high-level exchange.
Prabowo was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Judha Nugraha, and PT Pindad President Director Sigit P Santosa.
MBZ’s team included Vice Chairman of the Presidential Court Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Presidential Court Advisor Mohamed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Strategic Affairs Advisor Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, and UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Obaid Salem Al Dhaheri.
Leaders shared a Ramadan iftar, with Prabowo leading Maghrib prayers, enhancing the spirit of fellowship. Expanded talks focused on strengthening cooperation in energy, boosting bilateral investment, and advancing future-oriented economic partnerships.
A private tete-a-tete concluded the visit, reflecting personal rapport and shared determination to deepen bilateral ties. The meeting also marked 50 years of Indonesia-UAE diplomatic relations, reinforcing a foundation for broader and more impactful strategic collaboration.
During the bilateral meeting on 26 February 2026, MBZ reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to increasing investment in Indonesia, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and future-oriented economic development.
Earlier, eight memorandums of understanding covering energy transition, food security, security and counterterrorism, economic cooperation, and interfaith relations were announced and formalized in Abu Dhabi on 9 April 2025.
Concrete investments previously agreed included PT Kristalin Eka Lestari securing US$55 million from Dubai investors in October 2025 to expand gold mining operations in Nabire, Papua.
Separately, UAE developer Eagle Hills signed a US$3 billion tourism and infrastructure investment deal with Indonesia in July 2024.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak