President Prabowo Welcomed by Seven UAE Rulers, Joins MBZ for Iftar

Abu Dhabi: President Prabowo Subianto visited the Qasr Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

In a rare and significant gesture of honor, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) invited the rulers of the six other Emirates to join him in welcoming the Indonesian Head of State.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that President Prabowo received a prestigious reception, sitting alongside all seven UAE rulers—a gathering that typically only occurs once a year.

A Rare Gathering of Leaders

The seven leaders in attendance represented the full unity of the UAE: the Emirs of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Following the official reception, the series of meetings continued with Iftar (breaking the fast) together. The leaders and the Indonesian delegation then performed the Maghrib prayer in congregation, further emphasizing the close brotherly ties between the two nations during the holy month of Ramadan.

Strategic Tête-à-tête and Investment

The visit concluded with a private, one-on-one meeting (tête-à-tête) between President Prabowo and President MBZ, lasting over an hour. The two leaders discussed several high-level strategic agendas, including:

• Energy Cooperation: Strengthening long-term sustainability projects.
• Economic Partnership: Mapping out future trade frameworks.
• Investment: A commitment from the UAE to increase its investment portfolio in Indonesia.

50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

This meeting holds special historical significance as 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE.
"This half-century of partnership serves as a solid foundation for both countries to open a new chapter of broader and deeper strategic cooperation," the official statement read.

President Prabowo was accompanied by a senior ministerial team, including Sugiono (Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono,  Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Judha Nugraha.

On the UAE side, President MBZ was supported by high-ranking officials including Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan (Deputy Chief Justice of the Presidential Court) and Suhail Al Mazrouei (Minister of Energy and Infrastructure).

The meeting reaffirms both nations' commitment to a mutually beneficial and long-term collaboration.