Indonesia’s defence‑minister‑turned‑presidential‑candidate Prabowo Subianto made headlines this week when he became the first Indonesian leader to sit down with all seven rulers of the United Arab Emirates in a single, high‑profile gathering. The historic “Prabowo meets UAE rulers” moment underscored a deepening partnership that stretches beyond traditional state‑to‑state diplomacy, weaving together trade, security, culture and shared religious values. Analysts see the meeting as a cornerstone of the broader UAE‑Indonesia relations agenda, positioning both nations for a new era of collaboration across the Gulf and the Indo‑Pacific.
Key Highlights
- First-ever meeting of an Indonesian leader with the seven Emirati rulers.
- Joint declaration on expanding strategic ties between the UAE and Indonesia.
- Signing of memoranda covering energy, infrastructure and tourism projects.
- Coordinated initiatives on maritime security and defence technology exchange.
- Cultural and religious engagements, including a Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Emirs.
Prabowo meets UAE rulers – a historic first
Background of Prabowo’s Diplomatic Mission
Prabowo Subianto rose through Indonesia’s political ranks as a former army commander and later as the head of the nation’s defence ministry. His upcoming presidential bid has been framed around a “global Indonesia” vision that seeks stronger ties with Gulf economies. The Prabowo Abu Dhabi visit marks a strategic pivot in Jakarta’s foreign policy, aiming to diversify partnerships beyond traditional Asian allies and tap into the UAE’s investment expertise.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry has long touted the Gulf as a “gateway to the Middle East,” but the Middle East diplomatic visits by senior Indonesian officials have been relatively limited. Prabowo’s itinerary, therefore, signals a deliberate effort to elevate the bilateral agenda to a multi‑layered platform that includes sub‑national actors such as the individual emirates.
Significance of Meeting All Seven Emirate Rulers
In the UAE, each of the seven emirates retains a distinct ruler who oversees local economic and cultural policies. A joint audience with all seven leaders is a rare diplomatic protocol, typically reserved for heads of state with deep, long‑standing ties. By convening the seven emirates summit, the UAE demonstrated a unified front, reinforcing the message that the partnership is not limited to federal agreements but extends to the emirates’ individual development plans.
The gathering also carries symbolic weight: it showcases the UAE’s willingness to engage with emerging powers on a personal level, fostering trust that transcends formal treaties. For Indonesia, the event offers a direct line to the decision‑makers who control key sectors such as oil, tourism and real‑estate development.
Key Outcomes of the Abu Dhabi Summit
The summit produced a joint statement that highlighted the ambition to build “strategic ties UAE Indonesia” across multiple domains. Both sides signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering trade facilitation, joint investment funds, and a framework for regular high‑level dialogues.
Specific agreements included a cooperation pact on renewable energy projects, a tourism promotion initiative linking Bali with Dubai’s luxury market, and a joint research programme on smart‑city technologies. The MoUs are expected to be operationalised through dedicated task forces within each emirate’s economic department.
Economic Cooperation Opportunities
Energy collaboration sits at the core of the new partnership. Indonesia’s abundant natural gas reserves complement the UAE’s expertise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and distribution. Both parties agreed to explore joint ventures in offshore gas fields and to develop a pipeline of green‑hydrogen projects aimed at decarbonising regional transport.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently. Emirati firms expressed interest in Indonesia’s ambitious rail‑and‑port upgrades, while Indonesian construction conglomerates were invited to bid on upcoming UAE mega‑projects, including a new logistics hub near Abu Dhabi International Airport. Tourism exchanges will see coordinated marketing campaigns and simplified visa procedures to boost visitor flows during peak seasons.
Security and Defense Collaboration
Maritime security was a top agenda item, reflecting shared concerns over piracy and illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean. The two sides pledged to conduct joint naval exercises and to share intelligence through a newly established maritime coordination centre based in Dubai.
On the defence technology front, the UAE’s defence industry, known for its rapid adoption of cutting‑edge systems, offered technology‑transfer arrangements for Indonesia’s indigenous weapons programmes. A pilot project on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development is slated to commence within the next twelve months.
Cultural and Religious Engagements
During Ramadan, Prabowo joined the Emirs for an Iftar dinner that blended Indonesian culinary traditions with Emirati hospitality. The event underscored the cultural affinity between the two Muslim‑majority nations and set the stage for a series of exchange programmes targeting students, artists and scholars.
Both governments announced the launch of a “Sahabat Nusantara” cultural centre in Abu Dhabi, intended to showcase Indonesian heritage through exhibitions, language courses and film festivals. In return, a delegation of Emirati artists will tour major Indonesian cities later this year, fostering people‑to‑people connections.
Impact on Indonesia‑UAE Trade Relations
Trade between Indonesia and the UAE has already shown steady growth, and the new agreements are expected to accelerate this trajectory. While exact figures were not disclosed, officials from both sides anticipate a “significant uplift” in bilateral trade volumes over the next five years, driven by the energy, construction and tourism sectors.
To operationalise the trade boost, a joint business council will be established, rotating its secretariat between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi. The council will organise quarterly trade missions, provide market intelligence, and streamline customs procedures for SMEs looking to enter each other’s markets.
Future Prospects for Bilateral Ties
The momentum generated by the Prabowo Abu Dhabi visit is set to continue with a series of scheduled high‑level visits. The UAE’s Minister of Economy is slated to travel to Jakarta in the second quarter of 2026, while Indonesia’s President‑elect is expected to host a state visit to the UAE later next year.
Both governments have outlined a ten‑year strategic roadmap that includes joint participation in regional organisations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The roadmap envisions deeper cooperation in digital economies, climate resilience and health security, positioning the partnership as a model for cross‑regional diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of Prabowo’s visit to the UAE?
The visit aimed to cement a comprehensive partnership by meeting all seven emirate rulers, signing cooperation agreements, and laying the groundwork for expanded trade, security and cultural ties.
Which agreements were signed during the Abu Dhabi meeting?
MoUs on renewable energy, tourism promotion, smart‑city research, maritime security cooperation and defence technology exchange were signed, creating a framework for joint projects across the two economies.
How will the meeting affect Indonesia‑UAE trade in the next five years?
The agreements are expected to boost bilateral trade substantially, with new joint ventures in energy, infrastructure and tourism driving higher volumes and diversifying the range of exchanged goods and services.
As the first Indonesian leader to engage directly with every ruler of the UAE, Prabowo’s historic outreach has set a new benchmark for diplomatic engagement in the region. The momentum generated by this unprecedented summit promises to translate into tangible projects, deeper strategic ties and a resilient partnership that will shape the economic and security landscape of both nations for years to come. For continued updates, follow Dubai Times and refer to the original report from Antara News here.
