The year 2025 stands as a defining milestone in the evolution of relations between Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates, marking the transition from cordial engagement to a mature, forward-looking strategic partnership. Throughout this process, Ecuador’s foreign policy has been guided by consistent ministerial leadership, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility playing a central role in shaping, coordinating, and sustaining the bilateral agenda. In a rapidly shifting global landscape, both nations demonstrated a clear political will to deepen cooperation, align long-term development visions, and build robust institutional, diplomatic, and economic bridges between Latin America and the Gulf.
The first decisive step in this renewed relationship took place on April 30, 2025, when President Daniel Noboa carried out his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by an Ecuadorian president to the UAE. This historic milestone was the result of sustained diplomatic groundwork led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, President Noboa met in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to advance discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, with a clear focus on the economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, and sustainability. This high-level encounter laid the political foundations for a deeper and more structured partnership between both countries.
Further reinforcing this strategic alignment, Ecuador took a decisive diplomatic step in April 2025 with the appointment of Felipe Ribadeneira as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Arab Emirates, formalized through Executive Decree No. 603. This appointment, coordinated within a broader foreign policy vision led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, underscored Ecuador’s determination to elevate its diplomatic presence in the Gulf.
A widely respected leader in the private sector and a key figure in Ecuador’s export ecosystem, Ribadeneira’s designation reflected a deliberate strategy to place experienced, results-driven leadership at the center of Ecuador’s engagement with the UAE. His background in international trade, business leadership, and export promotion aligns closely with Ecuador’s economic diplomacy objectives and highlights the growing importance of the UAE as a strategic partner for the country’s global ambitions.
Building on this momentum, a new chapter took shape in June 2025, when a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by Omar Sultan Al Olama, conducted an official visit to Ecuador. This visit, coordinated within the framework of an active and continuous ministerial dialogue, went beyond diplomatic symbolism and delivered tangible outcomes. The inaugural UAE–Ecuador Economic and Business Forum emerged as a cornerstone of this engagement, bringing together public and private sector leaders to identify concrete opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, progress toward the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group reflected a shared commitment to anchoring bilateral ties within a solid and lasting institutional framework.
December 2025 marked another key milestone when President Daniel Noboa visited the United Arab Emirates, officially inaugurating Ecuador’s Embassy in the country. This institutional achievement, the result of sustained diplomatic efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, coincided with high-level talks between President Noboa and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meetings culminated in the signing of cooperation agreements in strategic sectors such as the economy and energy, further reinforcing a shared vision for sustainable development, investment flows, and long-term collaboration.
Taken together, these milestones reflect a comprehensive and deliberate foreign policy strategy, consistently guided at the ministerial level, that combines high-level political dialogue, institutional strengthening, economic diplomacy, and permanent diplomatic representation. This approach positions Ecuador as a reliable, dynamic, and long-term partner for the United Arab Emirates.
Below, the exclusive interview with Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, one of the key architects behind one of the strongest and most dynamic relationships the UAE has forged with Latin America.
Minister, could you share a brief overview of the official visit of the United Arab Emirates delegation to Ecuador in June 2025? In particular, what were the most relevant strategic pillars addressed during that visit, and which key points of interest emerged from the agenda, in order to help contextualize this interview?
First of all, I would like to point out that President Daniel Noboa has promoted a policy of diversification of Ecuador’s foreign relations, with a special emphasis on the Gulf countries and, in particular, the Arab world, with which we share values and a common vision.
Within this framework, the United Arab Emirates has become a priority partner. While it is not the only country we work with in the region, it is one with which we decided to deepen relations from the very beginning of President Noboa’s administration. This is largely due to the fact that both leaders share an agile working dynamic and a clear determination to ensure that projects are implemented in the short term.
The strengthening of this relationship began in September of last year, during the United Nations General Assembly, where the first bilateral agreements between Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates under the current administration were established and reaffirmed. Following that meeting, a visit at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was defined in order to identify concrete opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Subsequently, President Noboa’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates was organized, during which high-level meetings were held. A key aspect of this relationship has been the alignment of values, ease of communication, and convergence of visions for mutual benefit. From our perspective, all cooperation must be advantageous for both parties, and the President was very clear in expressing his interest in understanding the needs of the United Arab Emirates, as well as in identifying strategic opportunities for Ecuador.
Regarding opportunities for the country, progress has been made in multiple areas. In the field of security, during that visit a framework agreement for information exchange was signed, which has already enabled successful operations in the fight against transnational organized crime, particularly drug trafficking.
At the same time, there is a strong sustainable development agenda, which includes social projects such as affordable and social housing, as well as initiatives to transform the energy matrix. Ecuador is committed to strengthening renewable energy, and there are currently solar energy projects that have been reviewed by the United Arab Emirates. Opportunities in the productive sector have also been explored.
From our perspective, all cooperation must be advantageous for both parties, and the President was very clear in expressing his interest in understanding the needs of the United Arab Emirates.
On the economic front, dialogue has been opened to move toward a trade agreement. The United Arab Emirates has a strategic interest in food security toward 2030, and Ecuador, as a major food producer with fertile land, offers significant investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Finally, we are also working in areas related to digital transformation and artificial intelligence, aware that these represent one of the greatest global challenges today. The objective is to incorporate more technology and digitalization into the Ecuadorian State to improve services for citizens, as well as to promote education through artificial intelligence tools aimed at young people.
In summary, this is a broad, dynamic, and strategic agenda, underpinned by the clear will of both parties to continue strengthening the bilateral relationship and jointly advance high-impact projects.
What were the main results and scope of that visit, considering that it was a historic milestone as it was the first time the Minister of Artificial Intelligence visited Latin America, choosing Ecuador as the host country?
As you rightly point out, this confirmed what had already been mentioned: there was very strong chemistry between His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama and President Daniel Noboa. The relationship was handled at a very high level during that bilateral meeting. As a result, two special envoys were appointed, one by Ecuador and one by the United Arab Emirates.
Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama himself was appointed as the UAE’s Special Envoy to Ecuador. On Ecuador’s side, Minister Roberto Kury was designated as Special Envoy. He was appointed Minister of Telecommunications and the Information Society by President Daniel Noboa in May 2025 and is responsible for everything related to the digitalization and digital transformation of the Ecuadorian State. He serves as Ecuador’s counterpart in this area.
This mechanism complements the traditional diplomatic channels managed through ministries of foreign affairs and embassies, which continue to function as such. The special envoys play a key role in facilitating and accelerating progress on the bilateral agenda.
This was a very high-level visit. Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama arrived accompanied by other authorities, as well as by a group of buyers and investors from different sectors interested in opportunities in Ecuador. For this reason, a public forum was organized to clearly explain the opportunities available within the Ecuador–UAE relationship.
Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama himself was appointed as the UAE’s Special Envoy to Ecuador. On Ecuador’s side, Minister Roberto Kury was designated as Special Envoy
In addition, a bilateral meeting was held with all members of the Emirati delegation and their Ecuadorian counterparts. A bilateral business roundtable also took place, where buyers and sellers identified immediate opportunities that can already be developed between private-sector actors. Likewise, there were bilateral meetings between ministers from different portfolios—such as Energy, Defense, and Interior—and their respective counterparts, making this an especially rich and productive set of engagements.
Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama also brought a clear message regarding projects that had already been, so to speak, approved and now needed to be developed and implemented. Two of these are particularly relevant: one in the area of direct financing for Ecuador, and another related to social housing development, all within the framework of a bilateral agenda that is being actively developed and consolidated.
On the other hand, the visit of another minister responsible for transparency processes. President Noboa’s government maintains a firm commitment to combating corruption and money laundering. In that context, a visit took place in July to our institution in charge of the anti–money laundering unit.
During that visit, meetings were held with the Office of the Comptroller General, the Council for Citizen Participation, and the Secretariat for Public Integrity. With all three institutions, we are already working on cooperation agreements, in a process in which our Ambassador Felipe participated actively.
All of this aimed to strengthen Ecuador institutionally, whether through processes or tools that exist in the United Arab Emirates and can be shared with Ecuador, and vice versa. Cooperation is not always monetary; it can also take the form of advisory services, process improvement, and institutional strengthening, drawing on successful case studies that the United Arab Emirates undoubtedly has to share.
Regarding the UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence, in addition to his role as Special Envoy, he is responsible for everything related to the digital economy, including artificial intelligence and its application in the Emirates. This area also represents a very important chapter in Ecuador’s bilateral agenda.
Artificial intelligence is a central issue. We understand that one of the greatest risks to democracy is the gap that may arise between countries that timely adopt artificial intelligence platforms and ecosystems and those that do not. It is believed that the greatest global divide will emerge precisely when some countries systematically use artificial intelligence and others do not, creating an even deeper inequality than the one that currently exists between developed, underdeveloped, and developing countries.
For this reason, it is essential for Ecuador to align itself with the vision and path that leading countries are following in terms of applying artificial intelligence across State institutions and processes.
Artificial intelligence is a central issue. We understand that one of the greatest risks to democracy is the gap that may arise between countries that timely adopt artificial intelligence platforms and ecosystems and those that do not.
Minister, why do you believe that the UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy—one of the most prominent figures in the cabinet—chose Ecuador as his first official visit, and what does this signify within the bilateral agenda and the push toward a new artificial intelligence model?
Ecuador today has a young government that represents a new generation and looks toward the future, especially toward young people. Practices prior to President Daniel Noboa’s administration have become obsolete. This is reflected both in his style of governance and in the way he conducted his campaign, as well as in the generational renewal taking place in the public sector and Ecuadorian politics more broadly—a process that has generated significant interest and discussion in different countries.
When we engage with global leaders, there is genuine curiosity about how Ecuador has managed to drive this generational change that many countries are now seeking. This process is accompanied by technology, digital transformation, and the implementation of artificial intelligence—areas in which Ecuador has demonstrated openness, political will, and a clear desire to move forward.
Concrete work has already begun with the implementation of various technological platforms in key areas such as healthcare. Ecuador already uses an AI-based platform that enables more efficient use of public resources. The same applies to ports, where we are advancing the first phase of another AI-powered platform designed to prevent corruption, avoid under-invoicing, and control the entry of unauthorized goods.
Concrete work has already begun with the implementation of various technological platforms in key areas such as healthcare.
Ultimately, this is about bringing order and efficiency through artificial intelligence to our ports and other strategic sectors. In this regard, Ecuador continues to promote the arrival of more technology in the country. This change has already begun; it is a transformation in progress, and experience shows that artificial intelligence has no limits. Therefore, Ecuador cannot afford to fall behind—it is a necessary and strategic step the country must take.
What are the main short-term aspirations following the opening of this new embassy, which marks Ecuador’s institutional presence in the United Arab Emirates?
The importance a country places on its international relations is also reflected in the level of its diplomatic representation. In this context, within our strategy, we identified the United Arab Emirates as a key partner capable of supporting Ecuador’s projection toward Asia, a region the country seeks to engage with more strongly. At the same time, Ecuador can help address strategic challenges and objectives of the UAE, such as food security. We are complementary countries.
For this reason, it was essential for us to open the embassy as quickly as possible, a milestone that was achieved. However, opening an office was not enough; it was crucial to appoint the right person to lead it in order to strengthen the relationship efficiently and effectively.
The President decided to appoint someone with a distinguished career in Ecuador’s productive and business sectors: Felipe Ribadeneira, a highly respected figure with strong relationships within the country and a close connection with people. He has a natural ability to build trust, facilitate business, and strengthen ties—qualities that are essential when building relationships that, in practice, were starting almost from scratch.
The President decided to appoint someone with a distinguished career in Ecuador’s productive and business sectors: Felipe Ribadeneira, a highly respected figure with strong relationships within the country and a close connection with people.
For all these reasons, we celebrate the opening of Ecuador’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates. As we have demonstrated, the activity, persistence, energy, and drive shown by the ambassador are fundamental to consolidating, in the shortest possible time, a solid diplomatic relationship focused on concrete results.
Minister, what is your vision and what are the main aspirations for the relationship between Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates in the field of tourism, considering Ecuador’s enormous natural and cultural potential?
Within the strategies to promote economic growth and job creation, tourism development occupies a central role. For the first time in many years, a significant budget has been allocated to the tourism sector, specifically for international promotion, which constitutes an important milestone. As a result, our ambassadors abroad have been defining concrete objectives in tourism, aware of the need to strengthen a generous industry capable of generating up to one in every ten jobs in a mature economy.
Ecuador is on that path. We are seeking new markets and destinations from which to promote our tourism offering, and one of them is undoubtedly the United Arab Emirates.
Accordingly, we have worked actively to reduce barriers and facilitate bilateral tourism flows. Ecuadorians currently do not require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates, and this year we also signed an agreement eliminating visa requirements both for Ecuadorians entering the UAE and for Emirati citizens visiting Ecuador.
At this stage, the main challenge is achieving greater and better passenger air connectivity. While we already have air cargo connectivity, we are analyzing—together with the airlines operating in the UAE—the possibility of passenger flights with one or more intermediate stops. Given the distance, it is unrealistic to think of a direct flight with current technology, but a route with a strategic stopover is feasible, particularly one that is also of interest to Ecuadorian travelers and currently lacks direct air connectivity. Our ambassadors in the UAE and in the potential intermediate country are involved in this project, and we are making coordinated progress.
While we already have air cargo connectivity, we are analyzing—together with the airlines operating in the UAE—the possibility of passenger flights with one or more intermediate stops.
We also aim to promote familiarization trips for tour operators and specialized media—press trips and fam trips—to showcase Ecuador’s natural wealth and biodiversity. Despite being one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador offers extraordinary biodiversity. We have the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site; a coastal region rich in gastronomy, culture, and beaches; and the Andean region, with cities such as Quito and Cuenca, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites with some of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America.
We should not forget that Ecuador was once the religious capital of the region, reflected in its rich heritage of churches and its valuable tangible and intangible cultural legacy. Finally, we have the Amazon, a region of unique biodiversity, with one of the highest biodiversity indices per square meter in the world.
All of this makes Ecuador an exceptional destination, where unique experiences can be enjoyed in a very short period of time: one can wake up in the Galápagos, fly an hour and a half to have breakfast on the coast, take a 30-minute flight to have lunch in the Andes, and after a 25-minute flight, end the day and sleep in the Amazon.
How would you define the next chapter of the relationship between Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates, and what do you see as the next steps, projects, and priorities in this new phase of cooperation?
With an increasingly fluid relationship and the trust that has been built through constant dialogue and face-to-face meetings between authorities, a very positive alignment has emerged between our countries. By getting to know each other better and working closely, we have laid solid foundations to move forward with greater clarity and effectiveness.
In this new context, we expect to begin implementing and inaugurating the various projects and objectives defined within the bilateral agenda, always for the benefit of both countries. The United Arab Emirates now knows that it has a reliable partner in Ecuador, just as Ecuador knows that it has a strategic ally in the UAE.
We will continue to strengthen this relationship, deepen cooperation ties, and work jointly to drive shared growth and development for our countries.
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