On Friday 18^th February 2022, H.E Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka hosted the staff of Rwanda Mission in UAE to an annual get-together to reflect on 2021 and re-energise for the work ahead.

Ambassador Hategeka used the occasion to commend the team for their contribution to promoting diplomatic relations, economic diplomacy, and supporting Rwanda's community in UAE, among others.

“All of what the Mission achieved is a result of team work. I can’t thank you enough for your invaluable role in impactful achievements we made together. Credit doesn’t go to me only but to you all as a team,” Ambassador Hategeka said.

Despite the Covid-19 related challenges, Rwanda Mission in UAE registered impressive results in 2021, some of which are highlighted below:  

Diplomatic relations

The Mission concluded the presentation of credentials to the whole jurisdiction: H.E Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka presented his credentials to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 March 2021; to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 6 July 2021 and to Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency on 3 May 2021.

The mission also facilitated high level visits and meetings, the most recent prominent being the working visit to the UAE by H.E President Paul Kagame in last October.

As Rwanda taps into cooperation potentials with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Cooperation Agreement signed last June is a game changer.

Trade and Investment

Trade flows increased remarkably thanks new and existing trade deals and partnerships. The UAE is Rwanda’s leading trade partner. In 2020, total trade with UAE accounted for almost 20% of Rwanda’s trade globally. For the first eleven months of 2021, the total trade reached over USD 649.5 million with exports accounting for 58%.

Every week, Rwanda exports to UAE about 20 tons of avocadoes, passion fruits, among other fruits and vegetables. Leveraging the e-commerce platform launched by DP World last year, there is a huge potential to increase this volume in 2022.

Through the Mission facilitation, Rwanda secured US$15 million loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for the rehabilitation of Rambura-Nyange road in July 2021.

The Rwanda Mission in UAE keeps good relations with seven UAE companies who have registered their business with RDB with investments commitments valued at US$ 185.4 million as of end 2021.

Rwanda’s strategic participation in forums like the ongoing Expo2020 gave an impetus to economic diplomacy endeavors.

Technical cooperation

The mission is proud to have connected Rwanda-UAE institutions and the whole jurisdiction as well, in fields of education, health, ICT, space and financial services among others.

Image Building

The Mission has sustained and enhanced the positive image and reputation of Rwanda through different events including the 27th Commemoration of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai, among others.

Social and Media engagements rose considerably. Over 100 articles were published in UAE media while the social media engagement increased by 60%.

Staff of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the General Consulate in Dubai who had gathered at the new Ambassador’s residence for the annual get-together, expressed their appreciation to the Ambassador for the good leadership and renewed their commitment to support the Mission achieve its targets in 2022.