The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to strengthen its ties with Aceh, Indonesia, through significant infrastructure investments following a high-profile visit by the UAE Ambassador, His Excellency Abdulla Obaid Salem Al Dhaheri. On March 11, 2025, Ambassador Al Dhaheri participated in the Zuhur prayer at Masjid Raya Baiturrahman alongside Aceh's Deputy Governor, H. Fadhullah, SE. This moment not only underlined diplomatic cordiality but also emphasized the growing partnership between the UAE and local officials.
The occasion, held at the heart of Banda Aceh, attracted much attention from the local community who joined the prayer, marking a historic moment of collaboration between the UAE and Aceh.
During his two-day visit, which was part of broader efforts by Mubadala Energy to explore investment potential, the Ambassador engaged with local government officials, discussing not just community relations but also various projects aimed at bolstering Aceh's economic foundations. The UAE's interest centers around developing Sabang as a strategic logistics hub, potentially connecting it to Abu Dhabi Port, thereby facilitating trade and transportation links.
After their joint prayer session, Deputy Governor H. Fadhullah expressed optimism about the economic cooperation. “Alhamdulillah, after the visit of Kesabang yesterday, it has brought fresh air for accelerating economic cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE. We have great potential to connect Sabang Port with Abu Dhabi Port,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor's comments reflected his eagerness to bolster Aceh's international connectivity. His recent engagements included visits to Pelabuhan CT 3 and CT 1, which were met with positive responses from Ambassador Al Dhaheri. This engagement signals confidence from both sides about investment opportunities, particularly those related to energy and logistics.
One of the key subjects was the investment plan to develop the Sigli-Banda Aceh toll road, known as Tol Sibanceh. The Deputy Governor disclosed the current status, indicating the toll road had only reached Padang Tiji, Pidie Regency. “We ask the UAE to choose the available land; all are under BPKS control and ready to be used for this project,” he said, noting the readiness of the government to facilitate investment.
Ambassador Al Dhaheri assured the Deputy Governor of the UAE's commitment to assist Aceh. “We hope the investment process can run smoothly and be facilitated so this project quickly realizes,” he emphasized during the discussions.
Another important facet of the UAE's interest is the potential for logistics facilities linked to the proposed energy exploration at the Andaman Block. These developments would not only advance infrastructure but could also stimulate the local economy significantly, creating job opportunities and improving local welfare.
Recognizing the importance of these investments, the Aceh Provincial Government has been actively preparing comprehensive proposals to appeal to the UAE investors. The local government aims to outline beneficial pathways for future investments, including extending the road to Pangkalan Brandan and enhancing accessibility from Aceh to Medan.
Iskandar Zulkarnaen, head of the Sabang Free Trade Zone and Port Management Agency (BPKS), reiterated the strategic goals. He remarked, “This visit is part of our intensive efforts to develop Sabang as a strategic logistics area,” emphasizing the potential for Sabang to play a pivotal role as part of Indonesia’s economic breakthrough.
The visit, which came on the heels of previous meetings since last July, indicates growing momentum as Aceh seeks to position itself attractively for foreign investment. Officials envision this partnership not merely as economic transactions but as foundational for the broader integration of Aceh within regional and international markets.
With continued support from the Aceh Provincial Government, expectations are high for successful collaborations with UAE investors. “We are optimistic some UAE companies will come to Aceh to evaluate investment opportunities. We believe they will be interested in investing here,” noted one representative, hopeful about the future economic outlook.
The growing connection between the UAE and Aceh is about more than financial transactions; it reflects mutual trust, ambitious visions for regional growth, and community upliftment. Such partnerships bear the promise of not only improving transport infrastructure but also enhancing overall economic growth within Aceh and beyond, making it imperative to capitalize on this momentum for lasting impact.