President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the United Arab Emirates for a series of high‑stakes engagements at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, his office announced on Monday.
Ramaphosa is attending the summit at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The gathering, themed “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” brings together global leaders, industry executives and civil‑society groups to shape international cooperation on sustainability and climate‑resilient development.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa will on Tuesday hold bilateral talks with Sheikh Mohammed ahead of the ADSW opening ceremony.
He will also attend the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards, which recognise innovators in health, food, energy, water, climate action and education.
Ramaphosa’s programme includes a keynote address at the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum, where he will speak on just transition priorities, skills development and inclusive growth.
He is also scheduled to join a Heads of State panel on global energy futures and participate in a high‑level session on infrastructure investment across the Global South.
South Africa and the UAE maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties, with the Gulf state serving as a significant investor in sectors such as logistics, transport and renewable energy.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa will use the visit to deepen economic cooperation and engage major business leaders on new investment opportunities.
The President is accompanied by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
APA