President Ramaphosa arrives in UAE to attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived safely in United Arab Emirates(UAE) on Monday morning honouring an invitation to attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week(ADSW).

The Office of the Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning,12 January 2026,arrived in the United Arab Emirates(UAE) at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week(ADSW).

According to Presidency, the ADSW 2026 held under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”, brings together the global sustainability community to ignite impactful dialogues and bold ideas aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration and delivering breakthrough solutions to advance sustainable development worldwide.

The Presidency mentioned that during his tour into the UAE, President Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and attend the opening of the ceremony as well as Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony.

"On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, President Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,President of the UAE, ahead of the ADSW Opening Ceremony.

“The President will attend the opening ceremony as well as the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which celebrates 11 winners driving real-world impact across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools,” the Presidency said.

While in that country, President Ramaphosa will get the opportunity to address the Youth 4 Sustainability(Y4S) Forum and Hub, and will participate in the Heads of State Panel meeting.

"In advancing discussion on economic transformation, ethical governance, and youth empowerment, the President will address the Youth 4 Sustainability(Y4S) Forum and Hub, under the theme Leading the Just Transition: Youth, Skills, and Inclusive Growth.

“The President will also participate in the Heads of State Panel discussion on the topic: 'A vision for Global Energy”. In addition, he will also participate in a high level session titled: Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure, which will focus on accelerating bankable, scalable infrastructure investment across the Global South," added the Presidency.

The Presidency also mentioned that during his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

President Ramaphosa accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.