UAE New Year diplomacy
As the final hours of 2025 tick away, the leadership of the United Arab Emirates is engaging in a key diplomatic tradition. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, have extended formal New Year wishes to leaders and heads of state across the globe. These messages of peace, prosperity, and cooperation were sent to counterparts in brotherly and friendly nations worldwide. This annual practice underscores the UAE’s active and positive role on the international stage, reinforcing its commitment to global partnerships and shared human progress as a new year dawns.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Leads Diplomatic Outreach
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed took the lead in this diplomatic outreach. He sent personal cables and communications to kings, presidents, and prime ministers. His messages emphasized themes of mutual respect, collaborative development, and global stability. The President highlighted the UAE’s desire to strengthen existing ties and build new bridges of cooperation in 2026. This proactive communication from the Head of State sets a tone of openness and friendship, positioning the UAE as a reliable and engaged international partner dedicated to constructive global dialogue.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Extends Wishes for Global Prosperity
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, also conveyed his sincere New Year greetings. His messages focused on wishes for continued global economic growth, innovation, and human advancement. He expressed hope for a peaceful and prosperous year for all nations and their people. This reflects the UAE’s vision of itself as a hub for global progress, where international collaboration can solve common challenges and create opportunities that benefit everyone, from regional neighbors to distant partners across continents.
Messages Sent to Key Regional Partners and Allies
A significant portion of the greetings were directed towards the UAE’s closest regional partners. Leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, received warm wishes. The messages reaffirmed the deep bonds of brotherhood and shared destiny within the Arabian Peninsula. They also stressed the importance of continued unity and coordination on regional issues. This reinforces the UAE’s foundational foreign policy principle that regional stability and cooperation are essential for the success and security of all its member states.
Reaching Out to Major Global Powers and International Institutions
The UAE’s diplomatic outreach extended far beyond the Middle East. Greetings were sent to leaders of major global powers, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and India. Messages were also extended to the leadership of international bodies like the United Nations. This broad scope demonstrates the UAE’s truly global outlook and its strategy of maintaining balanced and constructive relationships with all influential international actors and multilateral organizations.
Emphasizing Themes of Peace, Sustainability, and Humanitarian Cooperation
The content of the messages consistently carried forward key pillars of UAE foreign policy. The leaders reiterated the nation’s commitment to supporting global peace and security initiatives. They highlighted the shared international fight against climate change and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. The importance of humanitarian aid and international solidarity in times of crisis was also emphasized. These themes present the UAE as a responsible global citizen, aiming to contribute solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.
A Diplomatic Tradition That Builds Bridges for the New Year
Sending New Year wishes is a well-established diplomatic custom. For the UAE, it is a strategic and genuine gesture. It provides a regular, positive touchpoint with the global community. It allows the leadership to reaffirm friendships, express shared hopes, and set a collaborative tone for the year ahead. In a world often facing tension, these simple messages of goodwill are a powerful tool for maintaining open channels of communication and fostering an atmosphere conducive to mutual understanding and partnership.
Ushering in 2026 with a Spirit of International Partnership
As the world stands hours away from 2026, the UAE’s leadership has proactively reached out to the global family of nations. These New Year wishes are more than seasonal formalities. They are a clear statement of the UAE’s foreign policy philosophy: engagement, cooperation, and a shared vision for a better future. By starting the year with this gesture of friendship, the UAE reinforces its role as a confident, connected, and proactive player dedicated to building a more peaceful and prosperous world for all in the coming year.

