UAE-Georgia ties enter strongest phase with $1.5bn investment, tourism growth and strategic cooperation
Ambassador highlights shared vision, connectivity and future-focused collaboration
ABU DHABI – The relationship between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates has reached a new level of cooperation, supported by growing economic links, strategic dialogue and stronger people-to-people connections, according to George Janjgava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the UAE.
The envoy said both countries are building a partnership based on shared ambitions in areas including innovation, economic development, education and long-term collaboration.
Speaking to Gulftourism.news in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Janjgava reflected on his diplomatic journey and current role in strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of trust, dialogue and personal connections in creating successful international partnerships. Having previously served as Ambassador to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt, along with several non-resident ambassadorial appointments across the region, he brings extensive diplomatic experience to his mission in the UAE.
“The UAE is a country with a very clear vision for the future, and I see many areas where Georgia and the UAE can work together in a practical and meaningful way,” Ambassador Janjgava said. “Diplomacy is not only about official meetings or documents. It is about listening carefully, understanding different perspectives, strengthening personal ties and building confidence step by step.”
UAE-Georgia relations
Political cooperation remains a key foundation of UAE-Georgia relations, with both nations continuing regular high-level engagement and supporting each other on issues of mutual interest.
“The Governments of Georgia and the UAE enjoy deep political relations and a strategic partnership,” the Ambassador said, adding that the connection is reflected through frequent official visits and continued cooperation between the two sides.
The partnership has gained further momentum through recent high-level engagements. Georgia’s Prime Minister has participated in major international events in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the World Governments Summit earlier this year. In September 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visited Georgia, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations and reinforcing cooperation between the two countries.
Trade growth
Economic cooperation has become one of the strongest pillars of the relationship, with Georgia positioning itself as a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia. The country offers investors access to a business-friendly environment and opportunities across sectors such as tourism, logistics, renewable energy, infrastructure, hospitality, agriculture, real estate and technology.
Over the past two decades, UAE investments in Georgia have reached approximately USD 1.5 billion, supported by major investors including Majid Al Futtaim, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, Dhabi Group and Rakeen Uptown Development LLC.
In 2025, UAE developer Eagle Hills launched a USD 6.6 billion mega real estate project in Georgia, described as one of the largest foreign investments in the country’s history.
Today, more than 200 UAE-capital companies are registered in Georgia, while around 2,000 Georgians live and work in the UAE, contributing to business activities and entrepreneurship across different sectors.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in October 2023, has further expanded opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.
Ambassador Janjgava highlighted the importance of creating conditions where businesses can explore new opportunities and develop long-term partnerships.
“Strong partnerships are built on trust, consistency and a willingness to explore new possibilities together,” he said. “When countries create the right environment for cooperation, businesses and investors can transform ideas into lasting success.”
Tourism has also emerged as a rapidly growing area of cooperation. Nearly half a million visitors travelled from the UAE to Georgia last year, including expatriate residents, while approximately 15,000 were UAE nationals. Meanwhile, around 35,000 visitors from Georgia travelled to the UAE in 2025.
Supporting this growth, air connectivity between the two countries has expanded significantly, with airlines operating around 50 direct flights per week on a regular basis and increasing to nearly 65 weekly flights during peak travel periods.
Education and innovation
Education and innovation are becoming increasingly important areas of cooperation between Georgia and the UAE, with both countries recognising the role of knowledge, technology and skills development in future growth.
Ambassador Janjgava said both nations share a similar understanding that education must remain connected with innovation and the demands of the modern economy.
“Georgia and the UAE both understand that education today cannot remain isolated from technology, innovation and the needs of the modern economy,” he said. “This common understanding helps institutions speak the same language when discussing cooperation.”
The educational partnership is already producing results, with up to 10 Georgian students currently studying at leading UAE institutions, including Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and New York University Abu Dhabi, through fully funded scholarships.
During his visit to Georgia, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 10 additional scholarship opportunities for Georgian students at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
At the same time, UAE nationals continue to pursue education in Georgia, while thousands of UAE-based expatriates select Georgian universities for higher education, contributing to stronger academic and cultural ties.
Future cooperation
Looking ahead, Ambassador Janjgava said the future of Georgia-UAE relations will increasingly depend on people-to-people engagement, entrepreneurship, innovation and cultural exchange.
“My personal message, especially to young people, is that diplomacy is ultimately about people,” he said. “It is about curiosity, respect, patience and the ability to understand another country beyond stereotypes or headlines.”
He encouraged young professionals and future diplomats to focus on lifelong learning, adaptability and building trust as essential qualities in an interconnected world.
“Knowledge is important, but character is equally important,” he added. “One must be able to listen, learn, adapt and build trust carefully over time.”
As cooperation continues across diplomacy, trade, tourism, education and innovation, Ambassador Janjgava emphasised that the relationship between Georgia and the UAE extends beyond official agreements and government initiatives.
The partnership is also shaped by students, tourists, entrepreneurs and communities that continue to discover new opportunities and strengthen connections between the two countries.