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The United Arab Emirates and Switzerland strengthened their bilateral relations during a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi on February 3, 2026. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, met with His Excellency Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, to discuss expanding cooperation in key sectors including economy, investment, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. The meeting took place at Qasr Al Shati Palace and focused on UAE-Switzerland cooperation opportunities in emerging technologies.
During the discussions, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed President Parmelin and congratulated him on his election as President of the Swiss Confederation for 2026. According to the official statement, both leaders expressed their commitment to developing relations between the two countries and broadening collaborative horizons across multiple sectors.
Artificial Intelligence Summit Cooperation Takes Center Stage
A significant portion of the meeting addressed the upcoming AI for Good Global Summit 2027, scheduled to take place in Geneva. The UAE will assume the presidency of this important gathering in 2028, according to the official announcement. Both leaders emphasized that artificial intelligence development and enhanced utilization for mutual prosperity represents a shared priority for their nations.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to create innovative solutions for addressing global challenges. Additionally, they stressed the importance of contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future for all through responsible AI implementation.
Economic and Environmental Cooperation Agreements
The meeting resulted in the announcement of two significant agreements aimed at deepening UAE-Switzerland cooperation. The first is a memorandum of understanding between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research to establish a joint economic committee between the two countries.
Meanwhile, the second agreement involves a letter of intent between the foreign ministries of both nations concerning water cooperation and implementation of Sustainable Development Goal Six. This partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to addressing critical environmental and resource management challenges.
The leaders also discussed various issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and stability globally through dialogue and diplomatic solutions to various crises. However, specific details regarding particular regional conflicts were not disclosed in the official statement.
Strategic Partnership in Advanced Technology Sectors
Both parties expressed mutual determination to capitalize on all available opportunities to elevate developmental relations between their countries. The focus on advanced technology and artificial intelligence cooperation underscores the strategic nature of the UAE-Switzerland partnership in innovation-driven sectors.
In contrast to traditional bilateral agreements, this meeting highlighted future-oriented collaboration in cutting-edge fields. The AI for Good Global Summit, which India will host in 2026, aims to promote effective cooperation in artificial intelligence by creating a strategic transformation from “action” to “impact,” according to the official statement.
The summit’s objectives include ensuring that artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for comprehensive human development, environmental sustainability, and global progress through multilateral action. This framework aligns with both nations’ visions for responsible technological advancement.
High-Level Attendance Reflects Strategic Importance
The meeting was attended by several senior UAE officials, including His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Additionally, several ministers, senior officials, and members of the Swiss delegation participated in the discussions.
The presence of such high-ranking officials from both countries underscores the strategic importance both nations attach to strengthening their bilateral relationship. This diplomatic engagement reflects growing cooperation between the UAE and Switzerland across economic, technological, and environmental domains.
Further details regarding the implementation timeline for the joint economic committee and water cooperation initiatives are expected to be announced in coming months. The UAE’s preparation for assuming the AI for Good Summit presidency in 2028 will likely involve continued coordination with Swiss authorities and other international partners.
