UAE and Kuwait deepen consular ties through joint committee meeting

The fourth joint Consular Committee convenes in Kuwait City to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance services for nationals of both countries, reflecting decades of close fraternal relations.

The United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing consular cooperation, with senior officials from both nations meeting in Kuwait City to strengthen services for their nationals and explore enhanced digital solutions.

Sheikha Hissa bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs, led the UAE delegation, while Ambassador Aziz Rahim Al-Daihani, Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs, represented Kuwait. In her opening remarks, Sheikha Hissa conveyed greetings from H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasising the significance of advancing bilateral consular cooperation.

The meeting underscored the depth of relations between the two nations, rooted in more than five decades of close ties and flourishing under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Sheikha Hissa highlighted the growing movement between the countries, noting that Kuwaiti visitors to the UAE have doubled while Emirati visitors to Kuwait have tripled in recent times. This surge in cross-border travel underscores the vital role of streamlined consular services in facilitating seamless movement and deepening people-to-people connections.

The consultations focused on exchanging expertise and exploring cooperation in digital attestation, citizen affairs, and services for foreign nationals. Delegates discussed modernising procedures, advancing digital solutions, and enhancing the accessibility, efficiency and quality of consular services to better serve the evolving needs of both countries’ nationals. The UAE delegation included representatives from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and Emirates Health Services.

Reflecting the productive nature of discussions, both parties signed the minutes of the fourth round, reaffirming their continued commitment to translating shared priorities into practical initiatives that strengthen consular partnership and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This fourth consular committee meeting reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strategic approach to deepening bilateral relations with Gulf neighbours through institutional cooperation and people-centric initiatives. The doubling and tripling of visitor numbers between the UAE and Kuwait reflects the region’s interconnectedness and the importance of efficient consular infrastructure in supporting social and economic ties. Enhanced digital solutions and streamlined procedures will benefit the growing numbers of Emiratis and Kuwaitis crossing borders for business, education, healthcare and leisure.

The collaboration signals Abu Dhabi’s commitment to modernising consular services whilst maintaining the high standards of facilitation expected by both nations’ citizens. By focusing on digital innovation and procedural efficiency, the meeting establishes a framework for handling increased bilateral movement and sets a precedent for regional cooperation in consular affairs, strengthening the UAE’s position as a hub for seamless international engagement.

Source: WAM