The colourful ceremony, held at Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and distinguished guests to commemorate the UAE's formation under the theme 'United.'
The celebration marks a significant milestone for the UAE, reflecting on the vision of its founding fathers, particularly Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united the seven Emirates under one flag on December 2, 1971. The historic day not only heralded the birth of the United Arab Emirates but also laid the foundation for its commitment to international cooperation and responsible governance, with the first Council of Ministers formed just a week later and the UAE joining the United Nations.
In his keynote speech, Mohammed AlKaabi, Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Kigali, highlighted the nation's remarkable progress over the past five decades.
'From infrastructure, aviation, and renewable energy to space exploration and artificial intelligence, the UAE has chosen to shape the future rather than wait for it,' he noted.
He also emphasised the UAE's global initiatives, including Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, underscoring the country's commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and climate action.
The 2025 Union Day celebrations also coincide with the UAE's designation of the year as the 'Year of the Community,' a reflection of the nation's focus on social cohesion and inclusivity. With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE, the initiative highlights the importance of diversity, mutual respect, and shared development.
Rwanda's presence at the event was led by the Guest of Honour, Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Middle East & Pacific Affairs at Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
In his address, Rwanyagatare extended Rwanda's heartfelt congratulations to the UAE on its 54th Union Day. He emphasised the strong bilateral ties that have grown steadily over the years, particularly in trade, investment, aviation, hospitality, education, and infrastructure.
'Over the past thirty years, Rwanda has undergone rapid transformation across multiple sectors with the support and investment of partners like the UAE,' Rwanyagatare said.
He highlighted that the UAE has emerged as Rwanda's top export market, with bilateral trade surpassing USD 1.5 billion in the last year, reflecting the complementary strengths of both economies and the confidence businesses place in each other.
Economic cooperation has been bolstered by projects such as DP World's Kigali Logistics Platform and the new Rubavu Logistics Hub, which strengthen Rwanda's role as a regional trade and logistics hub connecting the country to regional seaports and global supply chains. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has also supported Rwanda through initiatives like the expansion of the Karenge Water Treatment Plant, enhancing water security and service delivery for communities and businesses.
Beyond economics, the UAE and Rwanda have deepened collaboration in capacity building and governance through the Government Experience Exchange Program, as well as in security and defence, contributing to regional stability. Both countries continue to share values centred on human capital development, innovation, sustainable development, and climate action.
The evening's program featured a blend of cultural and diplomatic engagements, including UAE and Rwandan national anthems, a traditional UAE folk dance 'Al Harbiah', Rwandan traditional dance performances by students from the Islamic Secondary School for Sciences, a self-service buffet featuring UAE dishes, and the ceremonial cutting of the Union Day cake. Guests were also presented with symbolic gifts, marking the significance of the occasion.
Since the opening of the UAE Embassy in Kigali in March 2018, this marks the eighth time Union Day has been celebrated in Rwanda. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the UAE's achievements over more than five decades while reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen their partnership for peace, prosperity, and mutual growth.
As the celebrations concluded, both AlKaabi and Rwanyagatare toasted to the continued friendship between Rwanda and the UAE, reaffirming that the ties between the two nations are poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
