Kisra, a traditional Sudanese flatbread, is made from fermented sorghum batter and is extremely thin.
The Republic of the Sudan
SudanNorthern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Arabic, English
National CurrencySudanese Pound (SDG)
National Day(s)1 January (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalKhartoum
Economic CapitalKhartoum
Cultural CapitalKhartoum
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 7 – 9 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportKhartoum International Airport (KRT)
Primary PortPort Sudan
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline853 km
Highest PointJebel Marra (3,042 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverNile River (formed by the Blue Nile and the White Nile, which meet at Khartoum)
ClimateArid desert in the north; semi-arid to tropical savanna in the south
Border Countries
EgyptLibyaChadCentral African RepublicSouth SudanEthiopiaEritrea
7Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
The ancient city of Meroe developed a distinctive writing system known as the Meroitic script.
The Kingdom of Kush, centered at Napata and Meroe, was a major ancient power on the Nile.
South Sudan became independent in 2011 after a long civil war and a referendum.
Gold is Sudan’s main export and represents a large part of the country’s economy.
Nubian houses are famous for colorful murals and geometric decorations painted across their walls and entrances.
Sudan is one of the world’s most important sources of gum arabic, a natural ingredient used in soft drinks, sweets, medicines and cosmetics.
Jebel Marra in Darfur is a volcanic massif and the country’s highest area, adding to Sudan’s diverse landscape.
Port Sudan is the country’s main Red Sea gateway for trade and pilgrimage traffic, connecting Sudan to the world.
The Gezira Scheme between the Blue Nile and the White Nile is one of Africa’s largest irrigation projects.
The pyramids of Meroe in Nubia outnumber Egypt’s more famous pyramids and were an important center of the Kushite civilization.
Sudan’s Al Jertiq tradition uses distinctive red clothing, jewelry and symbolic rituals to celebrate weddings and other major life events.
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 | SudanUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Abdel Fattah Al Burhan
Since August 2019
H.E. Dr. Kamil Idris
Since May 2025
H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim
Since September 2025
H.E. Dr. Gibril Ibrahim
Since February 2021
H.E. Mahasin Ali Yagoub Nozol
Since July 2025
H.E. Dr. Gibril Ibrahim
Since February 2021
H.E. Lt. Gen. Hassan Daoud Kabroun Kayan
Since June 2025
Political Summary
Political System
Military-led transitional government
The Transitional Sovereignty Council, chaired by the army commander, appoints the Prime Minister and cabinet. The constitutional framework is contested, and territorial control is divided by the ongoing war.
Ruling Party
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Transitional Sovereignty Council and allied political and armed groups underpin the national administration.
Main Opposition Force(s)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis) maintain a rival governing structure centered in Nyala.
Next Presidential Election
No date set
Next Legislative Election
No date set
Last Updated: November 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
44Organizations
25Member
4Founding Member
3Partner, Observer or Participant
12Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Sudan | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations1 May 197254 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Hamad Mohammed Humaid Al JneibiUAE Ambassador to SudanForeign Ambassador
H.E. Abdelrahman Ahmed Khalid SharafiAmbassador of Sudan to the UAELast 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sudan Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Sudan | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Signed | Signed on 4 Apr 2011. |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 15 Mar 2001.Entered into force on 6 Jun 2004. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 13 Jun 2009. |
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 Sudan | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateFeb2023
- H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al RoumiMinister of State for Government Development and the FutureAug2021
- H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumVice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of DubaiMar2006
- The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al NahyanPresident of the UAEFeb1972
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. General Abdel Fattah Al BurhanChairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of SudanFeb2023
- H.E. General Abdel Fattah Al BurhanChairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of SudanMar2022
- H.E. Dr. Graham AbdelgadirMinister of Culture and Information of SudanMar2022
- H.E. General Mohamed Hamdan DagaloDeputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of SudanFeb2022
- H.E. General Abdel Fattah Al BurhanChairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of SudanMay2021
- H.E. Khaled Omar YoussefMinister of Cabinet Affairs of SudanMay2021
- H.E. General Abdel Fattah Al BurhanChairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of SudanOct2019
- H.E. Dr. Abdalla HamdokPrime Minister of SudanOct2019
- H.E. Asma Mohamed AbdallaMinister of Foreign Affairs of SudanOct2019
- H.E. Dr. Ibrahim ElbadawiMinister of Finance of SudanOct2019
- H.E. Madani Abbas MadaniMinister of Industry and Trade of SudanOct2019
- H.E. General Abdel Fattah Al BurhanChairman of the Transitional Military Council of SudanMay2019
- H.E. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al BashirPresident of the Republic of SudanJul2017
- H.E. Ibrahim Ahmed GhandourMinister of Foreign Affairs of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Fadel Abdullah FadelMinister of the Presidency of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Modathir Abdul-Ghani Abdul-RahmanMinister of Investment of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Mashayer Ahmed Al DawalabMinister of Welfare and Social Security of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Taha Osman Ahmed Al HusseinMinister of State and Director-General of the President’s Office of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al BashirPresident of the Republic of SudanFeb2017
- H.E. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al BashirPresident of the Republic of SudanNov2015
- H.E. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al BashirPresident of the Republic of SudanFeb2015
- H.E. Dr. Mustafa Osman IsmailMinister of Investment and Presidential Adviser of SudanMar2013
- H.E. Gaafar Mohamed NimeiryPresident of SudanApr1972
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
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)4.1USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)245.2USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Sudanese Companies in the UAE
DAL GroupDiversified conglomerate
Bank of Khartoum (BOK International)Islamic corporate and wholesale banking
Haggar Group (Haggar DMCC)Investment holding and agribusiness
Sudatel (Expresso Telecom Holding)Telecommunications and international carrier services
El Nilein BankCommercial and Islamic banking
Invictus Investment CompanyAgri-food commodity trading and processing
Major UAE Companies in Sudan
DP World-
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: September 2026Source: Internal Research