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RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Marking half a century of bilateral ties established in 1976, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is deepening its partnership with Indonesia by expanding cultural, educational, and intellectual exchanges aimed at fostering regional peace and human development.

The milestone was highlighted by UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri during a cultural seminar titled From Abu Dhabi to Jakarta: Civilizational Partnership for Peace and the Future at the Indonesia International Book Fair (IIBF) 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

“Fifty years is not merely a number in the history of diplomatic relations. It represents half a century of friendship, cooperation, interaction, and trust-building between two nations," Ambassador AlDhaheri said in a statement released Friday, October 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

During the event, Ambassador AlDhaheri introduced the Indonesian translation of the book Mohamed bin Zayed and Education, which outlines UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision for educational progress and human capacity building.

Ambassador AlDhaheri noted that education, knowledge, and cultural exchange serve as essential foundations for sustainable peace and people-to-people connections.

He also pointed to Indonesia’s designation as the Guest of Honor for the Al Burda Award 2026 as another key milestone in bilateral civilizational ties.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, the ambassador outlined plans to expand cooperation across youth empowerment, translation initiatives, scientific research, and interfaith dialogue among scholars and religious institutions.

"Investing in people is, at its core, an investment in peace," Ambassador AlDhaheri emphasized.

The UAE’s presence at IIBF 2026 includes joint pavilions hosted by the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum and The UAE Council for Fatwa, showcasing educational, cultural, and religious initiatives.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador AlDhaheri called on both nations to leverage the 50-year anniversary as a springboard for a new era of strategic partnership.

"From Abu Dhabi to Jakarta, we meet through knowledge, draw closer through mutual understanding, build through culture, and work together to achieve peace," he concluded. ***