The Republic of Kosovo

KosovoSouthern Europe
-3:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country

General Information

National Identity
Official Language(s)Albanian, Serbian
National CurrencyEuro (EUR)
National Day(s)17 February (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalPristina
Economic CapitalPristina
Cultural CapitalPrizren
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 9 – 10 h Connecting flights
Primary AirportPristina International Airport Adem Jashari (PRN)
Primary PortNone (landlocked)
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointVelika Rudoka (2,660 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverWhite Drin River (longest river and major freshwater resource; flows into Albania)
ClimateContinental with Mediterranean influences

Border Countries

AlbaniaMontenegroNorth MacedoniaSerbia
4

Last Updated: October 2026Source: Internal Research

Key Facts

Traditional filigree (Filigrani) craftsmanship is renowned for shaping fine silver threads into intricate jewelry and decorative designs.

Kosovo uses the euro as its de facto domestic currency despite not being a member of the European Union or the euro area.

Prizren is considered Kosovo’s cultural capital, famous for its Ottoman-era architecture, stone bridges and historic old town.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, becoming one of the newest countries in the world.

Kosovo’s mountains and forests are home to wildlife including brown bears, wolves, lynx and golden eagles.

Kosovo is the smallest Balkan nation, and around 45% of its land is covered by forest and woodland.

Located in the Sharr Mountains, Brezovica is one of the Balkans’ best-known winter sports destinations.

One of Pristina’s most prominent landmarks is the National Library, built in 1982.

The six stars on Kosovo’s flag represent the six main ethnic groups living in the country: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma and Bosniaks.

Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe.

Rugova Canyon is one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular river gorges, known for its dramatic cliffs and hiking trails.

Pite, a savory pie filled with cheese, spinach or meat, is a staple of Kosovo’s traditional cuisine.

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

IndicatorKosovoUAEKosovoUAE
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

Head of State

H.E. Dr. Justina Shiroka-Pula

Since October 2026

Head of Government

H.E. Albin Kurti

Since March 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Glauk Konjufca

Since February 2026

Minister of Finance

H.E. Hekuran Murati

Since September 2026

Minister of Trade

H.E. Mimoza Kusari-Lila

Since February 2026

Minister of Economy

H.E. Dr. Artane Rizvanolli

Since March 2021

Minister of Defense

H.E. Ejup Maqedonci

Since August 2023

Political Summary

Political System

Parliamentary Republic

The President serves as Head of State and is elected by the Assembly, while the Prime Minister leads the Government and exercises executive authority with the cabinet.

Ruling Party

Vetevendosje Movement (LVV): Left-wing (since 2021)

Main Opposition Force(s)

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK): Centre-right to right-wingDemocratic League of Kosovo (LDK): Centre-rightAlliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK): Right-wing

Next Presidential Election

Expected in 2031

Next Legislative Election

2030

Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research

Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs

49Organizations
5Member
0Founding Member
2Partner, Observer or Participant
42Not a Member

Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations

Competitiveness Indexes

IndexYearRank Out ofKosovoUAE

No index matches.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic Relations and Representation

Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations14 Oct 200818 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
No Accredited Ambassador
H.E. Xhabir Hamiti
Foreign Ambassador
H.E. Xhabir HamitiAmbassador of Kosovo to the UAE · Resident

Last Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research

Consular Information

Tourists
Residents
Students
Golden Visa Holders
Kosovo Nationalsin the UAE
----
UAE Citizensin Kosovo
----

Main Agreements and MoUs

Agreement / MOUStatusNotes
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
--
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement
Ratified
Signed on 20 May 2016.Ratified and entered into force on 1 Jan 2017.
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement
Ratified
Signed on 20 May 2016.Ratified and entered into force on 1 Jan 2017.
ASAAir Services Agreement
Ratified
Signed on 12 Mar 2014.Ratified and entered into force on 15 Jan 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: October 2026Source: Internal Research

UAE Foreign Assistance

UAE Aid to KosovoTotal Amount
Amount (USD Mn)-

Bilateral Visits

Official Visits from the UAE

  • H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al MazroueiChairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs
    Feb2026
  • H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al ShamsiMinister of State
    Jun2025
  • H.E. Noura bint Mohamed Al KaabiMinister of State
    Jun2024
  • H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al NahyanMinister of Foreign Affairs
    Apr2023

Official Visits to the UAE

  • H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani-SadriuPresident of Kosovo
    Feb2026
  • H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani-SadriuPresident of Kosovo
    Dec2023
  • H.E. Rozeta HajdariMinister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade of Kosovo
    Oct2023
  • H.E. Donika Gervalla-SchwarzDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo
    Dec2022
  • H.E. Rozeta HajdariMinister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade of Kosovo
    Feb2022

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 Kosovar Companies in the UAE

  • Kosmonte FoodsKosmonte FoodsFood distribution

Major UAE Companies in Kosovo

  • Mubadala Investment CompanyMubadala Investment Company-
  • DP WorldDP World-
  • MasdarMasdar-

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