North Macedonia is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, the Catholic nun and Nobel Peace Prize winner who dedicated her life to helping people with low income and the sick worldwide.
The Republic of North Macedonia
North MacedoniaSouthern Europe-3:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Macedonian, Albanian
National CurrencyMacedonian Denar (MKD)
National Day(s)8 September (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalSkopje
Economic CapitalSkopje
Cultural CapitalOhrid
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 5 – 5.5 h
Direct flights
Primary AirportSkopje International Airport (SKP)
Primary PortNone (landlocked)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointMount Korab (2,764 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverVardar River (longest river; flows into Greece and empties into the Aegean Sea)
Lake Ohrid (Europe’s oldest lake and one of its deepest; shared with Albania)
ClimateContinental with Mediterranean influences
Border Countries
AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceKosovoSerbia
5Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Lake Ohrid, located in southwestern North Macedonia, is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Painted Mosque, built in the 15th century, is a famous North Macedonian landmark known for its colorful facade.
North Macedonia has a high smoking rate, with nearly half of adults smoking regularly. In 2019, smoking prevalence was 57.9% among men and 39% among women.
North Macedonia is home to one of the world’s largest crosses. The 66-meter (217-foot) Millennium Cross sits on top of Mount Vodno.
In 2018, a baby shared the same birthday as his North Macedonian father and grandfather, an occurrence with odds of about 1 in 130,000.
North Macedonia became a fully independent state on 8 September 1991.
North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe bordering Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo and Serbia.
Around 85% of North Macedonia’s landmass is mountainous.
Hikers in North Macedonia’s Pelister National Park can still see First World War trenches, bunkers and military positions.
North Macedonia has around 1,950 churches and monasteries and approximately 580 mosques across the country.
North Macedonia has one of the world’s deepest underwater caves, Cave Vrelo, located in Matka Canyon.
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 | North MacedoniaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova
Since May 2024
H.E. Dr. Hristijan Mickoski
Since June 2024
H.E. Dr. Timco Mucunski
Since June 2024
H.E. Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska
Since June 2024
H.E. Besar Durmishi
Since June 2024
H.E. Vlado Misajlovski
Since June 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Parliamentary Republic
Executive power is exercised mainly by the Prime Minister and the government, while the President serves as Head of State with largely ceremonial and constitutional responsibilities.
Ruling Party
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE): Centre-right to right-wing (since June 2024), leading a coalition with VLEN and ZNAM
Main Opposition Force(s)
Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM): Centre-leftDemocratic Union for Integration (DUI): Centre-leftThe Left (Levica): Far-left
Next Presidential Election
Expected in 2029
Next Legislative Election
2028
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
52Organizations
25Member
1Founding Member
8Partner, Observer or Participant
18Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | North Macedonia | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations27 May 199630 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Abdulla Ali Al SaboosiUAE Ambassador to North Macedonia · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Abdulkadar MemediAmbassador of North Macedonia to the UAE · 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
North Macedonia Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin North Macedonia | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | Discussions Initiated. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 22 Feb 2021.Entered into force on 16 Jan 2023. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 26 Oct 2015.Ratified on 7 Feb 2017. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 28 Jun 2016.Ratified on 30 Jan 2018. |
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 North Macedonia | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed LootahPresident and CEO of Dubai ChambersSep2025
- H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al MansooriMinister of EconomyJun2013
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign AffairsJun2009
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-DavkovaPresident of North MacedoniaFeb2026
- H.E. Dr. Timco MucunskiMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North MacedoniaFeb2026
- H.E. Dr. Timco MucunskiMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North MacedoniaDec2025
- H.E. Dr. Hristijan MickoskiPrime Minister of North MacedoniaSep2025
- H.E. Pance ToshkovskiMinister of Interior of North MacedoniaMay2025
- H.E. Dr. Hristijan MickoskiPrime Minister of North MacedoniaApr2025
- H.E. Dr. Timco MucunskiMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North MacedoniaApr2025
- H.E. Pance ToshkovskiMinister of Interior of North MacedoniaNov2024
- H.E. Kreshnik BekteshiMinister of Economy of North MacedoniaDec2023
- H.E. Dr. Stevo PendarovskiPresident of North MacedoniaMar2023
- H.E. Dr. Dimitar KovacevskiPrime Minister of North MacedoniaOct2022
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)2.4USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)2.1USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major North Macedonian Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in North Macedonia
DP World-
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