Timbuktu had around 150–180 Quranic schools and thousands of students, making it one of Africa’s great centers of learning.
The Republic of Mali
MaliWestern Africa-4:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Bambara
National CurrencyWest African CFA Franc (XOF)
National Day(s)22 September (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalBamako
Economic CapitalBamako
Cultural CapitalTimbuktu
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 11 – 12 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportModibo Keita International Airport (BKO)
Primary PortKoulikoro River Port (inland)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointHombori Tondo (1,155 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverNiger River (one of West Africa’s greatest rivers, flowing through Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea)
ClimateSubtropical to arid
Border Countries
AlgeriaBurkina FasoCote d’IvoireGuineaMauritaniaNigerSenegal
7Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Timbuktu was a major trading center where Saharan salt was exchanged alongside gold, cattle and grain.
Tiguadege Na, a rich peanut stew, is one of Mali’s most popular traditional dishes.
Mali preserves a traditional celebration in Markala where large masks and puppets appear in performances combining dance, drumming and song.
The Great Mosque of Djenne is one of the world’s most famous examples of monumental earthen architecture.
The traditional Sanke Mon fishing festival is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
The kora, a 21-string instrument, is one of West Africa’s most iconic musical instruments.
Mali is home to one of Africa’s last desert elephant populations.
Mali’s traditional Imzad is a single-string instrument associated with Tuareg communities and is recognized by UNESCO.
Mali has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Timbuktu, Djenne, the Tomb of Askia and the Cliff of Bandiagara.
The Cliff of Bandiagara is famous for its dramatic landscape and centuries-old Dogon settlements and traditions.
Traditional storytellers and musicians, known as griots, play an important role in preserving Mali’s history and culture.
Last Updated: July 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 | MaliUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. General Assimi Goita
Since July 2025
H.E. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Abdoulaye Maiga
Since November 2024
H.E. Abdoulaye Diop
Since June 2021
H.E. Alousseni Sanou
Since October 2020
H.E. Moussa Alassane Diallo
Since July 2023
H.E. Alousseni Sanou
Since October 2020
H.E. General Assimi Goita
Since May 2026
Political Summary
Political System
Military-led transitional regime
Ruling Party
-
Main Opposition Force(s)
-
Next Presidential Election
To be confirmed
Next Legislative Election
To be confirmed
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
44Organizations
26Member
2Founding Member
1Partner, Observer or Participant
15Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Mali | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations197650 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Dr. Saeed Mohammed Al TenaijiUAE Ambassador to Mali · ResidentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Dieminatou SangareAmbassador of Mali to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mali Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Mali | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 6 Mar 2018. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Signed | Signed on 6 Mar 2018. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed in May 2011. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Mali | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateMay2025
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Madiou SimparaPresident of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of MaliAug2025
- H.E. Abdoulaye DiopMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of MaliJul2024
- H.E. Choguel MaigaPrime Minister of MaliMay2022
- H.E. Choguel MaigaPrime Minister of MaliFeb2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 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)-
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)11.1USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Malian Companies in the UAE
Sacko Group HoldingMining and gold trading
Major UAE Companies in Mali
Mubadala Investment Company-
DP WorldPorts and logistics
Masdar-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
UAE-Malian Joint Business Council
Joint Business Council(s)Established in 2025; 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