Timor-Leste restored independence on 20 May 2002 after UN administration.
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Timor-LesteSouth-eastern Asia+5:00Hours ahead of the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Tetum, Portuguese
National CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD); Timorese centavo coins also circulate
National Day(s)20 May (Restoration of Independence Day)
28 November (Proclamation of Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalDili
Economic CapitalDili
Cultural CapitalDili
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 12 – 16 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportPresidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL)
Primary PortTibar Bay Port
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the CoastlineAbout 706 km
Highest PointMount Ramelau, also known as Foho Tatamailau (2,963 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLoes River (longest river); Lake Ira Lalaro (largest lake)
ClimateTropical; hot and humid, with a distinct rainy season (December–April) and dry season (May–November)
Border Countries
Indonesia
1Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Portugal left in 1975; Indonesia occupied the territory from 1975 until 1999.
A 1999 UN-backed referendum voted for independence, reshaping the political landscape of the country.
The country is one of Asia’s most Catholic societies after centuries of Portuguese missionary activity.
Petroleum in the Timor Sea supplied most state revenue through the Petroleum Fund until Bayu-Undan production ceased on 4 June 2025.
Coffee grown in the highlands of the country is the main non-oil export crop.
Tetum and Portuguese are official; Indonesian remains widely understood.
Oecusse is a coastal enclave of Timor-Leste inside Indonesian West Timor.
Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta were central figures of the independence movement.
Atauro Island off Dili is known for some of the richest coral reefs in the region.
The 2006 security crisis brought an international stabilization force back to Dili.
Timor-Leste became ASEAN’s 11th member state on 26 October 2025, when ASEAN Leaders signed the Declaration on its admission at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
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 | Timor-LesteUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Manuel Ramos-Horta
Since May 2022
H.E. Jose Alexandre “Xanana” Gusmao
Since July 2023
H.E. Bendito dos Santos Freitas
Since July 2023
H.E. Santina Viegas Cardoso
Since July 2023
H.E. Filipus Nino Pereira
Since July 2023
H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay
Since July 2023
H.E. Rear Admiral Dr. Donaciano do Rosario da Costa Gomes
Since July 2023
Political Summary
Political System
Semi-Presidential Republic
The Head of State (President) is popularly elected to serve as a mediator and guardian of the constitution, often holding powers such as the right to veto legislation. Alongside the President, the Head of Government (Prime Minister) leads the executive branch and is responsible for implementing the government’s program throughout its term.
Ruling Party
Coalition of the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) and the Democratic Party (PD): Centrist
Main Opposition Force(s)
Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN): Centre-left
Next Presidential Election
Expected in March 2027
Next Legislative Election
May 2028
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
49Organizations
28Member
0Founding Member
7Partner, Observer or Participant
14Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Timor-Leste | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations13 Nov 200917 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Abdulla Salem Obaid Al DhaheriUAE Ambassador to Timor-Leste · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Rui Manuel HanjamAmbassador of Timor-Leste 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Timor-Leste Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Timor-Leste | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | - | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Not Signed | Negotiations were authorized on 19 Feb 2025. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 19 Oct 2021. |
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 Timor-Leste | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- -
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Bendito dos Santos FreitasMinister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-LesteOct2026
- H.E. Jose Ramos-HortaPresident of Timor-LesteFeb2026
- H.E. Jose Ramos-HortaPresident of Timor-LesteFeb2025
- H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi LayDeputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment of Timor-LesteFeb2025
- H.E. Jose Ramos-HortaPresident of Timor-LesteOct2023
- H.E. Adaljiza MagnoMinister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-LesteDec2021
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: October 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 Timorese Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Timor-Leste
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: October 2026Source: Internal Research