In 1143, the Treaty of Zamora was signed, leading to the recognition of Portugal’s independence from the Kingdom of Leon and making it one of the oldest nation-states in Europe.
The Portuguese Republic
PortugalSouthern Europe-4:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Portuguese
National CurrencyEuro (EUR)
National Day(s)10 June (Portugal Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalLisbon
Economic CapitalLisbon
Cultural CapitalLisbon
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 8 – 8.5 h
Direct flights
Primary AirportHumberto Delgado Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Primary PortPort of Lisbon (APL)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline~1,297 km
Highest PointMount Pico (2,351 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverTagus River (longest river on the Iberian Peninsula; supplies water, power and transport)
ClimateMediterranean and Atlantic temperate
Border Countries
Spain
1Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Portuguese equestrian art was inscribed by UNESCO in 2024. It emphasizes cooperation, respect and communication between rider and horse, and is sustained through academies, schools and equestrian centers.
Portugal is regularly recognized in international rankings as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
Portugal’s Multibanco network is widely regarded as one of the most advanced ATM systems in the world, offering a wide range of services beyond cash withdrawals.
The University of Coimbra, established in Lisbon in 1290, is the oldest university in Portugal and one of its largest higher education and research institutions.
Bertrand Bookstore opened in Lisbon in 1732 and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest bookshop still operating.
There are six major bridges across the Douro River connecting Porto with the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached India by sea in 1498, opening an important maritime trade route between Europe and Asia.
Football star Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira, in 1985 and began his professional career in Portugal.
The colorful Galo de Barcelos comes from an old Portuguese legend and has become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols.
The coastal town of Nazare is famous for its enormous waves and has become one of the world’s best-known big-wave surfing locations.
Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, which is harvested from cork oak trees without cutting them down.
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 | PortugalUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Antonio Jose Seguro
Since March 2026
H.E. Luis Montenegro
Since April 2024
H.E. Paulo Rangel
Since April 2024
H.E. Dr. Joaquim Miranda Sarmento
Since April 2024
H.E. Manuel Castro Almeida
Since June 2025
H.E. Nuno Melo
Since April 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Semi-Presidential Representative Democratic Republic
Power is divided between the President, the Prime Minister and the unicameral parliament (Assembly of the Republic); the President serves as Head of State and the Prime Minister heads the government.
Ruling Party
Democratic Alliance (AD), comprising the PSD and CDS-PP: Centre-right coalition led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) (since 2024)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Chega (CH): Far-rightSocialist Party (PS): Centre-left
Next Presidential Election
Expected in January 2031
Next Legislative Election
October 2029
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
55Organizations
26Member
9Founding Member
10Partner, Observer or Participant
10Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Portugal | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations18 Jun 197650 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Ahmed Abdelrahman AlmahmoudUAE Ambassador to Portugal · ResidentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Fernando FigueirinhasAmbassador of Portugal to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures18Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways4
EKEmirates14
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Portugal Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Portugal | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | Portugal is an EU member state.UAE–EU negotiations were launched on 28 May 2025.The first round of negotiations began on 24 Jun 2025. |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 19 Nov 2011. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 17 Jan 2011.Entered into force on 22 May 2012. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 27 Jul 2015. |
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 Portugal | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Lana NusseibehMinister of StateJul2026
- H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al QasimiSupreme Council Member and Ruler of SharjahJan2026
- H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al QasimiChairperson of the Sharjah Book AuthorityJan2026
- H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al QasimiSupreme Council Member and Ruler of SharjahOct2025
- H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al QasimiChairperson of the Sharjah Book AuthorityOct2025
- H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al QasimiSupreme Council Member and Ruler of SharjahOct2018
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign AffairsJul2015
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign AffairsJun2014
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign AffairsApr2012
- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign AffairsMay2009
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Pedro ReisMinister of Economy of PortugalFeb2025
- H.E. Antonio CostaPrime Minister of PortugalDec2023
- H.E. Bernardo Ivo CruzSecretary of State for Internationalization of PortugalMay2023
- H.E. Francisco AndreSecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of PortugalJan2022
- H.E. Eurico Brilhante DiasSecretary of State for Internationalization of PortugalSep2021
- H.E. Maria Manuel Leitao MarquesMinister of the Presidency and Administrative Modernization of PortugalFeb2018
- H.E. Augusto Santos SilvaMinister of Foreign Affairs of PortugalJan2016
- H.E. Anibal Cavaco SilvaPresident of the Portuguese RepublicNov2014
- H.E. Paulo PortasDeputy Prime Minister of PortugalNov2014
- H.E. Jose Pedro Aguiar-BrancoMinister of National Defense of PortugalNov2014
- H.E. Laurentino DiasSecretary of State for Youth and Sport of PortugalJan2011
- H.E. Jose SocratesPrime Minister of PortugalJan2011
- Dr. Miguel de Serpa SoaresDirector of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PortugalMay2010
- H.E. Luis AmadoMinister of State and Foreign Affairs of PortugalApr2008
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: July 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)43.2USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)97.1USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Portuguese Companies in the UAE
Casais GroupConstruction, engineering
OutSystemsEnterprise software, low-code and AI application development
TIMWETECHDigital platforms and services for telecommunications operators
Major UAE Companies in Portugal
Mubadala Investment CompanyEnergy, mobility and IT services
DP WorldPorts and logistics
MasdarRenewable energy
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Dubai Chambers
Business Council(s)Portuguese Business Council
International Office(s)-
Sharjah Chamber
Business Council(s)Portugal Business Council
International Office(s)-
Joint Business Council(s)-
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