Samoa is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, and several smaller islands.
The Independent State of Samoa
SamoaPolynesia+9:00Hours ahead of the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Samoan, English
National CurrencySamoan Tala (WST)
National Day(s)1 June (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalApia
Economic CapitalApia
Cultural CapitalApia
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 20 – 24 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportFaleolo International Airport (APW)
Primary PortPort of Apia
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline403 km
Highest PointMount Silisili (1,858 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverVaisigano River
ClimateTropical marine climate
Border Countries
None (island state)
0Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
The capital city, Apia, is located on the island of Upolu.
Samoa gained independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962, becoming the first Pacific island country to regain independence in the 20th century.
The Samoan flying fox is a large fruit bat native to the Samoan islands.
An ava ceremony is an important Samoan tradition involving a drink made from the kava plant and is often held during significant gatherings.
In 2011, Samoa skipped an entire calendar day, moving from 29 December directly to 31 December when it changed sides of the International Date Line.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Samoa, and the country has produced many internationally known rugby players.
Samoa is famous for the siva, a traditional form of dance that uses graceful hand and body movements.
To Sua Ocean Trench is a famous natural swimming hole surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Savai'i is the largest island in Samoa and one of the largest islands in Polynesia.
Samoa was formerly known as Western Samoa, and officially changed its name to Samoa in 1997.
Coconut palms are found throughout Samoa, and almost every part of the coconut can traditionally be used for food, drinks, crafts, or building materials.
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 | SamoaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.H. Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II
Since July 2017
H.E. La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt
Since September 2025
H.E. La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt
Since September 2025
H.E. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o
Since September 2025
H.E. Fata Ryan Schuster
Since September 2025
H.E. Fata Ryan Schuster
Since September 2025
Political Summary
Political System
Unitary Parliamentary Representative Democracy
Samoa is a parliamentary democracy governed by a prime minister and a 51-seat assembly, where election candidates must hold traditional matai chief titles.
Ruling Party
Samoa United in Faith (FAST)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP)
Next Presidential Election
Expected in August 2027
Next Legislative Election
August 2030
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
46Organizations
28Member
2Founding Member
2Partner, 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 | Samoa | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations11 May 201016 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Dr. Fahad Obaid Al TaffaqUAE Ambassador to Samoa · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
No Accredited AmbassadorLast 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Samoa Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Samoa | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | - | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | - | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | - | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Signed on 1 Oct 2022. |
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 Samoa | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- -
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Leota Laki LamositeleMinister of Trade Negotiations of SamoaFeb2024
- H.E. Fiame Naomi Mata'afaPrime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of SamoaDec2023
- H.E. Toeolesulusulu Cedric SchusterMinister of Natural Resources and Environment of SamoaDec2023
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 Samoan Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Samoa
MasdarRenewable 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