Moldova’s Cricova winery is considered the world’s second-largest wine cellar, with about 120 km of underground tunnels named like streets.
The Republic of Moldova
MoldovaEastern Europe-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Romanian
National CurrencyMoldovan Leu (MDL)
National Day(s)27 August (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalChisinau
Economic CapitalChisinau
Cultural CapitalChisinau
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 4.5 – 5 h
Direct flights
Primary AirportEugen Doga Chisinau International Airport (RMO)
Primary PortPort of Giurgiulesti (inland river port)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointBalanesti Hill (430 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverDniester River (longest river)
Prut River (forms much of the western border with Romania)
ClimateTemperate continental; warm summers, mild-to-cold winters
Border Countries
RomaniaUkraine
2Last Updated: June 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Moldova’s Tipova Monastery, carved into cliffs above the Dniester River, is one of the largest cave monasteries in Eastern Europe.
Moldova has the highest density of vineyards in the world, with about 4 hectares of vines for every 100 people.
Moldova’s Milestii Mici holds the Guinness record for the largest wine cellar by bottle count, with over 1.5 million bottles.
Moldova’s Padurea Domneasca Nature Reserve has a breeding enclosure for European bison, Europe’s heaviest wild land mammal.
Although landlocked, Moldova’s Giurgiulesti Port receives seagoing ships through the Danube.
Moldova has one of the Struve Geodetic Arc’s 34 preserved points, which helped measure Earth’s size and shape.
Moldova’s Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve is home to around 200 bird species and lies at the entrance to the Danube Delta.
Moldova’s 16th-century Soroca Fortress has five towers and walls over three meters thick.
Moldova’s Martisor tradition welcomes spring with red-and-white threads and was recognized by UNESCO in 2017.
Mamaliga is a traditional Moldovan dish made from cornmeal, commonly served with cheese, sour cream and meat.
Moldova’s traditional wall carpets served as decoration, insulation and bridal dowries before UNESCO recognized the craft in 2016.
Last Updated: June 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 | MoldovaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.E. Maia Sandu
Since December 2020
H.E. Vasile Tofan
Since July 2026
H.E. Dr. Mihai Popsoi
Since January 2024
H.E. Victoria Belous
Since July 2026
H.E. Claudiu Nasui
Since August 2026
H.E. Colonel Anatolie Nosatii
Since August 2021
Political Summary
Political System
Unitary Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic
The Parliament (unicameral, 101 seats) holds primary legislative power and significant influence over the executive. The President is the Head of State, directly elected for a four-year term (up to two consecutive terms), with limited powers, while the Prime Minister (Head of Government) and the Cabinet exercise executive power. Parliamentary elections are held under a proportional representation system with an electoral threshold.
Ruling Party
Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS): Centre to centre-right, pro-European (since 2021)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM): Left-wing, pro-RussianOther opposition parties in Parliament include the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM), the Alternative Bloc, Our Party and Democracy at Home.
Next Presidential Election
Expected in 2028
Next Legislative Election
2029
Last Updated: August 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
51Organizations
26Member
2Founding Member
9Partner, Observer or Participant
14Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Moldova | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations21 Dec 199531 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorForeign Ambassador
H.E. Anatol VangheliAmbassador of Moldova to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures2Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai2
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Moldova Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Moldova | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | Discussions Initiated. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 10 Jul 2017.Entered into force on 26 Apr 2019. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 10 Jul 2017.Entered into force on 26 Jul 2018. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 19 Nov 2013.Entered into force on 11 Dec 2022. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Moldova | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign Affairs and International CooperationJul2017
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Corina CalugaruMinister of State of MoldovaOct2026
- H.E. Daniella Misail-NichitinMinister of Internal Affairs of MoldovaFeb2026
- H.E. Dr. Mihai PopsoiDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of MoldovaAug2025
- H.E. Dr. Mihai PopsoiDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of MoldovaFeb2025
- H.E. Chiril GaburiciMinister of Economy and Infrastructure of MoldovaNov2018
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
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)5.2USD Millions
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Moldovan Companies in the UAE
FlyOneAviation
Major UAE Companies in Moldova
DP World-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
UAE-Moldovan Joint Business Council
Joint Business Council(s)Established in 2021; no meetings have been held since.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Various UAE Chambers
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research