Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has begun the final leg of his longest overseas trip as leader with a symbolic visit to Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alongside partner Jodie Haydon, ahead of the launch of Australia’s first trade agreement in the Middle East.
Albanese arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday and toured the vast white-marble mosque, which can host up to 7,800 worshippers and serves as the resting place of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Describing it as a “great honour” to visit the landmark, Albanese reflected on the experience, saying,
“You get the feeling when you are here about the human experience and how humble we are before the glory of God.”
The prime minister will also meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his stopover, underscoring efforts to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties.
The Australia-UAE free trade agreement, finalised in September 2024, will officially take effect on 1 October 2025. The deal will make nearly all Australian exports to the UAE tariff-free once fully implemented, saving exporters up to $204 million annually. The agreement is seen as a gateway for Australian businesses to expand into the Middle East, even as negotiations with the European Union continue.
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