All about the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Ministries play a crucial part in managing diplomatic relationships with countries worldwide. The ministry analyses global and regional situations, advises governments on foreign policies and works to achieve national interests. UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) functions similarly.
The MOFA UAE manages diplomatic relations, promotes international relations and provides counsellor services to its nationals living abroad. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leads the charge as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Read this guide to know more about its functions and services.
An Overview of the UAE’s MOFA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as a bridge between the UAE and the rest of the world. Furthermore, MOFA supports global peace by advocating for resolving international disputes through dialogue and legal means.
The ministry connects the UAE’s leaders and citizens with the international community through its global network of embassies and missions. It fosters strong friendships with other nations and safeguards the interests of Emirati citizens abroad. Additionally, it promotes economic and cultural development, ensuring a more peaceful world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai operates under its strategic goals, including:
- Prosperity: Enhancing the UAE’s economic influence and increase its regional and international competitiveness
- Society: Preserving the interests of UAE nationals living abroad and residents on the UAE’s territory.
- Regional Stability: Supporting international efforts to maintain regional security and stability.
- Public Diplomacy: Promoting the UAE’s reputation and its soft power.
- Active Global Responsibility: Promoting the UAE’s role in global dialogue and development agenda.
MOFA UAE’s Foreign Policy Strategies
Humanitarian and Development Cooperation
The UAE has always championed global peace and prosperity by extending generous support to other countries in their development efforts. This commitment takes various forms, including advocacy, partnerships and the provision of foreign aid. The United Arab Emirates strongly believes that contributing to the security and prosperity of others strengthens everyone in return.
Notably, since 2013, the UAE has consistently ranked first among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members for their official development assistance relative to national income. Through over 40 organisations, UAE aid reaches millions in 140 countries.
Combatting Human Trafficking
The UAE was the first country in the region to enact a comprehensive anti-human-trafficking law with Federal Law 51 in 2006. The next year, the Cabinet decided to establish the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT).
Committed to combating human trafficking, the UAE offers safe havens for victims through shelters in Abu Dhabi (EWAA Shelter for Women and Children), Dubai (Dubai Foundation for Women and Children) and Ras Al Khaimah (Aman Shelter for Women and Children). The dedicated hotline “800SAVE” also enables victims to report cases and seek protection.
In addition, the UAE collaborates with other nations via agreements and actively participates in regional and international initiatives to prevent human trafficking and support victims.
Labour Rights
The UAE prioritises workers’ well-being and welcomes a diverse foreign workforce. As a leading global remittance source, the UAE plays a vital role in the development of global economies. According to the World Bank, foreign workers in the UAE sent over $29 billion home in 2014, primarily to developing nations. This income directly benefits both workers’ families and their home economies.
The UAE protects workers through ongoing reforms. In 2017, Federal Law Number 10 introduced significant measures:
- Workers retain control: They can keep their passports and personal documents.
- Greater job mobility: Changing employers is easier than before.
- Improved working conditions: Mandated paid leave, insurance and accommodation are guaranteed.
- Transparency and clarity: Employment contracts are standardised, and termination clauses are clearly defined.
A standard employment offer signed in the home country is filed with the Ministry of Labour to ensure fair treatment. Upon arrival, this becomes a legal contract, prohibiting unilateral changes unless they benefit the worker.
Women’s Rights
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dubai advocates for women’s rights by adopting several policies to promote women’s participation in the judicial sector, international missions and peacekeeping operations.
Moreover, gender equality has been a cornerstone of the UAE since its formation in 1971. The UAE Constitution laid down equal rights for all citizens, guaranteeing legal equality and access to healthcare, education and employment.
Similarly, the UAE is working in partnership with other countries and through the United Nations to promote the rights of women and girls everywhere.
Combating Terrorism and Extremism
The MOFA advises the country on approaches to combatting terrorism. On the financial front, they have implemented anti-money laundering legislation in collaboration with international partners like Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) to disrupt terrorist financing networks.
Recognising the dangers of radical ideologies, the UAE tackles extremism at its roots. This includes promoting moderate religious discourse across platforms and institutions and developing a comprehensive religious education curriculum that spans schools and Quran memorisation centres.
Furthermore, the UAE established Hedayah in collaboration with the Global Counterterrorism Forum. It is a leading international centre dedicated to training, dialogue, research and cooperation in countering violent extremism.
Culture and Public Diplomacy
The UAE Foreign Ministry Dubai works towards fostering understanding and collaboration on a global scale through its Cultural and Public Diplomacy initiatives. This mission goes beyond traditional diplomacy, aiming to connect people through cultural exchange programs, art exhibitions and educational opportunities.
By showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage and prompting dialogue, the MOFA strengthens international partnerships while promoting the message of tolerance and peace. This approach reflects the UAE’s founding principles and commitment to building a more interconnected and prosperous world.
Development Assistance
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a significant role in global development through its foreign missions. These missions act as channels for the UAE’s development assistance programs, focusing on improving the well-being of nations.
By working with partner countries and international organisations, the ministry facilitates projects that address critical needs in areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure and humanitarian aid. This commitment to global development is a testament to the UAE’s efforts for peace, tolerance and a shared responsibility for a better future.
Economic Diplomacy
The Foreign Affairs Office (MoFA) uses its network of embassies and consulates to support the country’s economic interests on the global stage. This mission, Economic Diplomacy, focuses on attracting foreign investment, promoting UAE exports and fostering strong bilateral and multilateral trade relationships.
Moreover, MoFA facilitates these goals by negotiating and signing trade agreements, participating in international economic forums and supporting UAE business ventures abroad. Ultimately, Economic Diplomacy strengthens the UAE’s long-term economic prosperity and aligns with the nation’s development plans.
Services Offered by Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE
Services for UAE Nationals
- Helping in fulfilling travelling requirements to destination countries.
- Establishing emergency communication for Emirati travellers.
- Issue an electronic return document to UAE nationals abroad in case of an emergency, such as the loss, damage or expiry of an ordinary passport or for newborns.
- Twajudi – a dedicated emergency line for responding to emergency calls from Emirati citizens abroad.
Services for UAE Diplomats
- Issuing diplomatic, special and mission passport
- Renewing diplomatic, special and mission passport
- Replacing diplomatic, special and mission passport
- Cancelling diplomatic, special and mission passport
- Sending and receiving invitations and communications for the UAE’s missions abroad, government and local entities, and missions accredited by the UAE
Services for Foreign Missions
- Issuing, renewing, cancelling and replacing diplomatic, consular, international organisations and special services ID cards
- Diplomatic notes gateway
- Issuing, renewing, cancelling or replacing airport Entry Permits
- Issuing Visas
- Arranging visits of official delegations to the UAE, including the processing of all correspondence, decree-related protocol matters and logistical matters
- Sending and receiving invitations and communications for the UAE’s missions abroad, government and local entities and missions accredited by the UAE
Services for Individuals and Businesses
- Attesting documents from MOFA UAE by confirming the validity of the seal and signature on the document issued in the UAE or abroad
- Issuing an electronic return document to UAE citizens in case of an emergency during travel through a UAE representative
- Attesting commercial invoices issued in the UAE or abroad
MOFA Services Channels
If you want to access MoFA services channels, you can reach out to:
- The UAE embassy in your home country
- The UAE mission in your home country
- The official MoFAIC website
- The official MoFAIC mobile application
- MoFAIC attestation centres
FAQs About UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
What is a Twajudi?
Twajudi is a service the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) provides to facilitate communication, assist and coordinate with UAE nationals abroad in an emergency or crisis.
How can I get in touch with UAE Foreign Affairs?
The UAE Foreign Affairs head office is on King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. You can reach them online via the MoFAIC inquiry portal or traditional communication methods.
- Contact: 800-44444
- Email: ask@mofaic.gov.ae
What should I do if I am stuck in a country with no UAE diplomatic mission?
UAE residents travelling to countries without a UAE embassy or consulate can seek assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE by calling +971-600-599-991.
Alternatively, you can verify if your destination country has a diplomatic mission in the UAE by visiting the ministry’s website’s ‘Foreign Missions in UAE’ page.
Is there a Foreign Ministry of Dubai as well?
There is no separate entity for Dubai foreign affairs. There’s one foreign ministry for the entire United Arab Emirates. However, you’ll find its attestation centre in Dubai as well.
This concludes our MOFA UAE guide. It’s comforting to know that the UAE has implemented laws and signed treaties to protect the rights of both nationals and expats living in the country. This is one reason why the UAE is an awesome place for expat women.
If you are willing to pursue a career here, check out our guide on how to get your work permit and work visa in Dubai; a well-informed decision never hurts anybody! If you are fresh out of college or university, authenticating your diploma in the UAE can be valuable for you in the long run.
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