# Kosovo–United Arab Emirates relations

Kosovo–United Arab Emirates relations are foreign relations between Kosovo and the United Arab Emirates.
A Dynamic Diplomatic Partnership

## History

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and the United Arab Emirates recognised it on 14 October 2008. Kosovo has an embassy in Abu Dhabi. On 27 April 2010, the United Arab Emirates designated Khalid Khalifa Al-Mualla, who is the Emirati ambassador to Turkey, as its non-resident ambassador to Kosovo.
Kosovo, a European country that declared its independence has since focused on seeking diplomatic and economic relations across the world, and has significantly been successful in its plan. One of the forefront countries in extending recognition was the UAE, a rapidly growing economic, and political influencer in the region. Ever since their agreement, the relations between both countries have progressed on all fronts recognizing each other's diplomatic, trade, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
On 13 March 2014, Kosovo and the UAE agreed to open mutual embassies, organise a forum for businessmen in Abu Dhabi to explore investment opportunities in Kosovo and signed a cooperation agreement between the two countries in the field of air transport services.
Kosovo and the Emirati relations focus on mutual recognition, economic cooperation and intentions to expand international relationships are currently called a modern partnership. The two countries may vary in many aspects including economical size, economic structure and the regions of focus, however, the partnership has depicted that, smaller countries of Kosovo's structure, can seek for strategic relations with the Gulf region especially with the UAE.

## Diplomatic relationships
### Kosovo War

After the Serbian government launched a major offensive against the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo in 1998, the UAE called for international intervention and commenced a major program of humanitarian relief through its Red Crescent Society. In 1999, the UAE was among the first non-NATO states to voice support for NATO's bombing campaign. During the UN administration period, the UAE maintained almost 1,500 peacekeeping and special operations troops in Kosovo. The UAE was the only Arab state to offer to participate in the Kosovo Force and its commitment was the first operational deployment of UAE forces outside the Middle East region. These forces remained in Kosovo and between 1998 and 2008. The aid given to Kosovo by the UAE's Red Crescent Authority alone amounted to Dh125 million, which at the time in 2008 was the biggest international humanitarian mission in the UAE's history.

## Political relationships

Mutual Recognition
The UAE has been a great supporter of Kosovo's efforts to join international organizations such as the EU and the UN. An example of this is that the UAE has pushed for Kosovo's admission into bodies such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This support also illustrates the position of the UAE as a diplomatic partner of Kosovo, helping them to seek ways of access into the global society.
The UAE and Kosovo have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to examine visa requirements for passport holders like as an example, Kosovo has removed the need for a visa for UAE members limiting them up to spending 90 days in Kosovo. The same goes for Kosovo citizens, based on their passports they have visa free entry in the UAE for up to 90 days. This agreement was set by the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Donika Grvalla-Schwarz.
Back in 2014, Kosovo's prime minister, Hashim Thaci, opened a new embassy headquarter in Abu Dhabi attended by UAE Minister Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli and other officials. President Hashim Thaci then later spoke about the strengthening of the relations between The UAE and Kosovo.
In 2023, UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh welcomed the EU-sponsored plan to normalize relations between Kosovo-Serbia agreement. This plan was to set up regional and global peace within the countries and to showcase the importance of cooperation and dialogue between each other. By doing so The UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh hoped that this agreement plan would express hope for the countries agreement success in promoting development. She highlighted strong ties and relations with both Kosovo and Serbia.

## Trade and Tourism

In Pristina, H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, and Enver Hoxhaj, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo signed an agreement aiming at the increase of cooperation in air transport services. The leaders also decided to establish embassies in both countries and hold a forum in Abu Dhabi to seek business opportunities in Kosovo. The major subjects of their talks included cooperation expansion, promotion of the interests of the two countries and challenges related to regional and international developments.
UAE investment in Kosovo's Tourism Appeal and Infrastructure
The UAE has shown interests in growing Kosovo's tourist attraction through investing in hospitality and infrastructure. UAE based companies have an interest in developing luxury accommodations in Kosovo mainly in the key tourist areas, by adding more luxurious resorts and hotels, the UAE aims to help Kosovo's tourist attraction grow.
The UAE and Kosovo would both benefit for tourism collaboration. Firstly the Economic growth for Kosovo would grow from the tourism flow from the UAE. The cultural exchange for both countries would create cultural understanding and connections also by enhancing diplomatic relations. The tourism collaboration would also give diverse destinations for UAE tourism.

## Humanitarian and Development Cooperation

After the 1990 war in Kosovo, the UAE has been a significant humanitarian donor to Kosovo, by cooperating with organizations like Emirates Red Crescent Initiatives, Reconstruction Projects and Long-term Development. These organizations provided shelter and essential needs to Kosovar refugees, during the war and after the war. Reconstruction projects helped rebuild damaged houses, schools, healthcare facilities and also helped build mosques.

## Cultural and Educational Exchange

For the cultural exchange aspect it strongly advocates that Kosovo and the UAE maintain a strong respect for the prospective culture, ensuring mutual inspiration as well as the cultural values. It is these initiatives that seek to enhance the relations between the two countries and boost the people to human contact.
Educational cooperation brings not only evident benefits to both Kosovo and UAE, but also points to the investment into the underlying civilization in the future.
This intersects Kosovo with UAE, in a broader context where both countries keep up expanding their endeavors in intergenerational, inter society and inter political focuses where such culture providers benefit.
Kosovo has been participating in cultural expositions and fairs or festivals that are organized in the UAE. These events help Kosovo promote its cultural heritage in aspects such as music, art, food among others. Kosovo has participated in Expo 2020 in Dubai and in Arts and Heritage Exhibits where they have displayed Kosovar artwork in the Gulf regions. For the education part, the UAE has provided scholarships for Kosovars to pursue higher education across the Emirates in fields like business, engineering, and international relations.