The Formosan black bear is unique to Taiwan and is one of the island’s most recognizable native animals.
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
TaiwanEastern Asia+4:00Hours ahead of the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Mandarin (official), Taiwanese Hokkien (Min Nan), Hakka, indigenous languages
National CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
National Day(s)10 October (National Day / Double Ten Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalTaipei
Economic CapitalTaipei
Cultural CapitalTaipei
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 8.5 – 9 h
Direct flights
Primary AirportTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Primary PortPort of Kaohsiung
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline1,566 km
Highest PointYushan / Jade Mountain (3,952 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverSun Moon Lake (the largest natural freshwater lake, in Nantou County)
ClimateTropical marine; rainy season during the southwest monsoon (June to August); persistent and extensive cloudiness all year
Border Countries
None (island with no land borders)
0Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Taiwan’s first direct presidential election was held in 1996, marking a major milestone in its democratic transformation.
Taiwan produces more than 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
The island sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly shaken by earthquakes.
Yushan (Jade Mountain), at 3,952 meters, is Taiwan’s highest mountain.
Indigenous Austronesian peoples inhabited the island long before Han settlement.
Japan ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945 and left railways, schools and legal traces.
Night markets, bubble tea and beef noodle soup are everyday cultural signatures in Taiwan.
The vast majority of countries extend formal recognition to Beijing, while a small number of diplomatic partners continue to recognize Taipei.
The Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s most closely watched security flashpoints.
High-speed rail links Taipei with Kaohsiung in about ninety minutes, simplifying travel across the island.
Taroko Gorge and the east coast are the island’s best-known mountain-and-sea landscapes.
Last Updated: October 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 | TaiwanUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Lai Ching-te
Since May 2024
H.E. Cho Jung-tai
Since May 2024
H.E. Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Since May 2024
H.E. Chuang Tsui-yun
Since January 2023
H.E. Dr. Kung Ming-hsin
Since September 2025
H.E. Koo Li-hsiung
Since May 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Semi-presidential multi-party democracy
Ruling Party
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP): holds the presidency and has led the executive since May 2016, without an outright majority in the Legislative Yuan
Main Opposition Force(s)
Kuomintang (KMT): the main opposition party since 2016Taiwan People’s Party (TPP): a key third force since 2020
Next Presidential Election
Expected in January 2028
Next Legislative Election
January 2028
Last Updated: November 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
55Organizations
2Member
1Founding Member
2Partner, Observer or Participant
50Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Taiwan | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations-
UAE Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorForeign Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorLast Updated: October 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures10Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways3
EKEmirates7
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures1Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo1
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Taiwan Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Taiwan | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | - | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | - | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | - | - |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Taiwan | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- -
Official Visits to the UAE
- -
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)1.8USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)31.3USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Taiwanese Companies in the UAE
MediaTekSemiconductor design and telecommunications
Taiwan Trade Center (TAITRA)Trade promotion and business services
Evergreen Marine CorporationShipping and logistics
CTCI CorporationEngineering, procurement and construction services for petrochemical plants
AsusConsumer electronics: computers, laptops, and hardware
Major UAE Companies in Taiwan
Mubadala Investment CompanySemiconductors
Last Updated: October 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