Abu Dhabi, 4 July 2026 - More than 300 guests, including senior UAE Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, friends of Rwanda, and the Rwandan community in the UAE, gathered in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation at a reception hosted by H.E. John Mirenge, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the UAE.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations, represented the UAE Government at the celebration. 

In his address, Ambassador Mirenge reflected on Rwanda's historic Liberation on 4 July 1994, when the Rwanda Patriotic Army ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the country.

"Rwanda's Liberation was far more than a military victory. It marked the rebirth of a nation. It restored dignity to our people and created the conditions for unity, reconciliation, and inclusive nation-building," Ambassador Mirenge said.

He noted that, thirty-two years later, Rwanda has emerged as a confident, resilient, reliable, and forward-looking nation.

"Our story is no longer defined by tragedy, but by remarkable transformation. Today, Rwanda is widely recognised as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies and one of its safest, cleanest, and best-governed countries," he added.

The celebration also highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates. Ambassador Mirenge noted that bilateral trade has grown from approximately USD 300 million a decade ago to USD 1 billion, while cumulative UAE investments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 320 million, reflecting growing confidence in Rwanda's investment climate.

He further underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagements between the two countries, including President Paul Kagame's visit to the United Arab Emirates last year and visits by senior UAE officials to Rwanda, which continue to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Mirenge invited investors and business leaders from the UAE and beyond to explore the many opportunities Rwanda offers, reaffirming the country's commitment to providing a conducive environment for investment and long-term partnerships.

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Media Contact

Pierre Muyombano, Communication Specialist at email  [email protected] 

Watch the event highlights video here