Panama occupies the isthmus connecting North and South America, with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The Republic of Panama
PanamaCentral America-9:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Spanish
National CurrencyPanamanian Balboa (PAB), United States Dollar (USD)
National Day(s)3 November (Separation from Colombia)
28 November (Independence from Spain)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalPanama City
Economic CapitalPanama City
Cultural CapitalPanama City
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 20 – 24 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportTocumen International Airport (PTY)
Primary PortPort of Balboa
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline2,490 km
Highest PointVolcan Baru (3,474 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverGatun Lake (An artificial lake essential to the operation of the Panama Canal)
ClimateTropical; rainy season typically May–November and dry season December–April
Border Countries
ColombiaCosta Rica
2Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Completed in 1855, the Panama Railroad was the first railway to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Americas.
Panama has used the United States dollar alongside the Panamanian balboa since 1904.
Panama has no standing army; its constitution assigns public-order and security duties to police services.
Traditional Panama hats originate in Ecuador and are woven from toquilla straw.
On a clear day, both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can be seen from the summit of Volcan Baru, Panama’s highest mountain.
Panama City joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy in 2017.
Panama supports exceptional biodiversity; its environment ministry reports more than 1,300 endemic species of plants, amphibians and reptiles.
The Panamanian golden frog is a national symbol threatened by disease and habitat loss; National Golden Frog Day falls on 14 August.
The Biomuseo in Panama City was Frank Gehry’s first building in Latin America and explores the country’s biological and cultural diversity.
Panama was among the first countries outside the United States to bottle Coca-Cola, beginning in 1906.
Panama’s forests and other ecosystems absorb more greenhouse gases than the country emits, making it a net carbon sink.
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 | PanamaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Jose Raul Mulino
Since July 2024
H.E. Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez
Since July 2024
H.E. Felipe Chapman
Since July 2024
H.E. Julio Molto
Since July 2024
H.E. Commissioner (Ret.) Frank Alexis Abrego Mendoza
Since July 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Presidential Republic
The directly elected President serves as head of state and head of government. The National Assembly is a separate, unicameral legislature.
Ruling Party
Realizando Metas (RM): Right-wing (since 2024)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Vamos: Independent opposition coalitionDemocratic Revolutionary Party (PRD): Centre-leftPanamenista Party (PP): Centre-rightDemocratic Change (CD): Centre-rightAnother Way Movement (MOCA): Centre
Next Presidential Election
Expected in May 2029
Next Legislative Election
May 2029
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
50Organizations
23Member
9Founding Member
7Partner, Observer or Participant
11Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Panama | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations9 Mar 199333 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohammed Abdullah bin Khater Al ShamsiUAE Ambassador to Panama · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Lisa Mae Mastellari VegaAmbassador of Panama 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Panama Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Panama | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 28 Feb 2018. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 13 Oct 2012.Entered into force on 23 Oct 2013. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 23 Sep 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: May 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Panama | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister of Foreign TradeJun2026
- H.E. Noura bint Mohamed Al KaabiMinister of StateJun2026
- H.E. Noura bint Mohamed Al KaabiMinister of StateJan2026
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha VasquezMinister of Foreign Affairs of PanamaFeb2026
- H.E. Eduardo ArangoVice Minister of Domestic TradeMay2025
- H.E. Juan Carlos SosaVice Minister of Foreign TradeMay2023
- H.E. Janaina Tewaney MencomoMinister of GovernmentMar2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: September 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)1.4USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)117.5USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Panamanian Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Panama
- -
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
No data available for this section yet.