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The Republic of Palau

PalauMicronesia
+5:00Hours ahead of the UAE
About the Country

General Information

National Identity
Official Language(s)Palauan, English
National CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
National Day(s)9 July (Constitution Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalNgerulmud
Economic CapitalKoror
Cultural CapitalKoror
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 14 – 18 h Connecting flights
Primary AirportRoman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)
Primary PortMalakal Port
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline1,519 km
Highest PointMount Ngerchelchuus (242 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLake Ngardok
ClimateTropical marine climate

Border Countries

None (island state)
0

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research

Key Facts

Palau is the world’s third-least-populous UN member state, after Tuvalu and Nauru.

Palau was ruled successively by Spain, Germany, Japan and the United States before gaining independence in 1994.

In 1994, Palau gained complete independence and joined the United Nations the same year.

Palau is one of just 21 countries not to have an army.

One of Palau’s most famous landmarks, and the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Rock Islands.

The world’s first shark sanctuary was created in Palau in 2009.

Palau has one of the world’s highest obesity rates, with about 85% of Palauan adults overweight or obese.

Palau is known as the “Underwater Serengeti” for its incredible scuba diving.

Palau has a simple flag composed of a blue background with an off-center golden disk. The disk represents the moon, which has special meaning in Palauan culture.

In 2017, Palau became the world’s first country to require tourists to sign the Palau Pledge.

Ngerulmud is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance.

Palau’s Jellyfish Lake is home to millions of harmless jellyfish, offering visitors an unforgettable swimming experience.

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

IndicatorPalauUAEPalauUAE
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

Head of State & Government

H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.

Since January 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Gustav Aitaro

Since September 2021

Minister of Finance

H.E. Kaleb Udui Jr.

Since February 2021

Political Summary

Political System

Presidential Republic

A presidential republic in free association with the United States (Compact of Free Association). It is a non-partisan system with no political parties; a Council of Chiefs advises the President on traditional law and custom.

Ruling Party

-

Main Opposition Force(s)

-

Next Presidential Election

Expected in November 2028

Next Legislative Election

November 2028

Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research

Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs

44Organizations
23Member
0Founding Member
1Partner, Observer or Participant
20Not a Member

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations

Competitiveness Indexes

IndexYearRank Out ofPalauUAE

No index matches.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic Relations and Representation

Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations16 Oct 200917 years of relations
H.E. Mohamed Obaid Al Zaabi
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohamed Obaid Al ZaabiUAE Ambassador to Palau · Non-resident
Foreign Ambassador
No Accredited Ambassador

Last Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research

Consular Information

Tourists
Residents
Students
Golden Visa Holders
Palau Nationalsin the UAE
----
UAE Citizensin Palau
----

Main Agreements and MoUs

Agreement / MOUStatusNotes
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
--
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement
--
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement
--
ASAAir Services Agreement
Signed
Signed on 31 Aug 2023 (initialed).
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 PalauTotal Amount
Amount (USD Mn)-

Bilateral Visits

Official Visits from the UAE

  • -

Official Visits to the UAE

  • H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.President of Palau
    Feb2026
  • H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.President of Palau
    Oct2025
  • H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.President of Palau
    Oct2024
  • H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.President of Palau
    Dec2023
  • H.E. Gustav AitaroMinister of State of Palau
    Aug2023
  • H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr.President of Palau
    Jan2023

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)-
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-

Source: fDi Markets

Major Companies and Investments

Major Palauan Companies in the UAE

  • -

Major UAE Companies in Palau

  • MasdarMasdarRenewable energy

Last Updated: April 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