Abu dhabi: Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has described relations between Bhutan and the UAE as strong and continuing to grow, underscoring the wide scope for cooperation, particularly in sustainability, renewable energy, trade, and investment.
According to Emirates News Agency, Tobgay emphasized the need for increased trade and investment between the two nations. Speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, he highlighted Bhutan’s significant renewable energy potential, particularly from its fast-flowing rivers, which can generate clean hydropower. This green energy can be harnessed to produce hydrogen, which in turn can be used for green fertilizer and aviation fuel, as well as support data centers and AI computing.
Tobgay pointed out Bhutan’s renewable energy capacity, noting that the country currently has 3,500 megawatts with plans to increase this by 20,000 megawatts over the next 15 years. He also highlighted Bhutan’s environmental achievements, stating that the country is a biodiversity hotspot with 70 percent forest cover and the ability to sequester five times more carbon than it emits.
The Prime Minister invited the UAE to invest in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector, proposing that subsequent partnerships could focus on industries utilizing this energy. He also identified tourism as a potential area for collaboration, promoting Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism model and expressing a desire for more Emirati visitors and investment, particularly in wellness tourism.
Tobgay concluded by reflecting on the advantages of participating in the WGS 2026, where he engaged in discussions about future governance and shared Bhutan’s development experiences. He noted that the summit offered a valuable platform for strengthening relationships and exchanging ideas.