Thimphu has no traffic lights, so white-gloved police officers direct vehicles at its busiest junctions.
The Kingdom of Bhutan
BhutanSouthern Asia+2:00Hours ahead of the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Dzongkha
National CurrencyBhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
National Day(s)17 December (National Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalThimphu
Economic CapitalThimphu
Cultural CapitalThimphu and Paro
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 8 – 10 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportParo International Airport (PBH)
Primary PortNone (landlocked)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointGangkhar Puensum (7,570 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverDrangme Chhu River (Bhutan’s largest river system, forming part of the Manas–Brahmaputra system and draining eastern Bhutan before joining the Brahmaputra in India)
ClimateVaries; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Border Countries
ChinaIndia
2Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Ema Datshi, Bhutan’s national dish, is a fiery stew made with chillies and local cheese.
The takin, an unusual goat-antelope linked to a famous Bhutanese legend, is the country’s national animal.
Bhutanese people commonly wear the gho and kira at schools, offices, festivals and formal occasions.
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport, and its tournaments combine competition with songs, dances and celebration.
Gross National Happiness guides public policy through good governance, culture, sustainability and environmental protection.
Bhutan’s Constitution requires at least 60% of the country’s land to remain under forest cover for all time.
The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival uses children’s crane dances to promote wildlife conservation.
At 7,570 metres, Gangkhar Puensum is recognised as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
Paro Taktsang, known as the Tiger’s Nest, is a sacred monastery built into a steep cliff above Paro Valley.
Nineteen languages are spoken in Bhutan, while English is used throughout the national education system.
Paro International Airport lies in a narrow Himalayan valley and requires pilots to complete specialised approach training.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | BhutanUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Since December 2006
H.E. Tshering Tobgay
Since January 2024
H.E. Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel
Since January 2024
H.E. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji
Since January 2024
H.E. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji
Since January 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Democratic constitutional monarchy
Ruling Party
People’s Democratic Party (PDP): Centre-right (since January 2024)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP): Centre to centre-left (since January 2024)
Next Presidential Election
Not applicable (Hereditary)
Next Legislative Election
2029
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
47Organizations
23Member
0Founding Member
3Partner, Observer or Participant
21Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Bhutan | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations13 Sep 201214 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Abdulla Saif Al NuaimiUAE Ambassador to Bhutan · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Phub DorjiAmbassador of Bhutan to the UAE · Non-residentLast Updated: October 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bhutan Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Bhutan | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Not Signed | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Not Signed | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 29 Nov 2018.Entered into force on 12 Feb 2020. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Bhutan | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Omran SharafAssistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and TechnologyJul2025
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Tshering TobgayPrime Minister of BhutanFeb2026
- H.E. Tshering TobgayPrime Minister of BhutanFeb2025
- H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WangchuckKing of BhutanJun2023
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)-
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-
Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Bhutanese Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Bhutan
Mubadala Investment Company-
DP World-
Masdar-
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research