Welcome
Dear visitors,
السلام عليكم
The year 2023 marks a milestone in diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates on the one hand, and the Kingdom of Bahrain on the other. On 12 September 1973, the Swiss Federal Council took the decision to establish diplomatic relations with both countries. Over the past half-century, bilateral relations between Switzerland and these two partner states have deepened. This is reflected in the growth of trade and the intensity of bilateral contacts, as well as in the range of shared interests such as investment, technology, science, education and tourism. I am firmly convinced that Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to develop shared visions in the future by fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. For example, at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, we will benefit mutually from the sustainable development of our respective countries.
Owing to Switzerland’s membership of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Swiss Embassy in Abu Dhabi is also very active within IRENA, where it represents Switzerland.
The Embassy team will continue to provide throughout the year efficient consular services to all Swiss citizens residing in or visiting the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain and will continue to provide visa services for visitors to Switzerland. The Embassy team in Abu Dhabi, jointly with the team at the Swiss General Consulate in Dubai, are looking forward to supporting business and diplomatic visitors, to interacting with the Swiss business community in the UAE, to contributing to cultural exchanges and to promoting Switzerland as a destination.
Arthur Mattli
Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain