H.H. Sheikh Mohamed underscored the steady progress of UAE–Indonesia ties, highlighting the UAE’s determination to elevate its development and economic partnership with Southeast Asia’s largest economy
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held high-level talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the latter’s working visit to the Emirates, as both nations pledged to deepen strategic and economic ties amid a landmark year in bilateral relations.
The meeting took place at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, where the two leaders exchanged Ramadan greetings and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The discussions centred on advancing collaboration under the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with a focus on development-driven areas including trade, renewable energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, food security and culture.
Marking 50 years of diplomatic relations, first established in 1976, both sides described the anniversary as a pivotal moment to expand engagement and chart a forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual trust and shared interests. Sheikh Mohamed underscored the steady progress of UAE–Indonesia ties, highlighting the UAE’s determination to elevate its development and economic partnership with Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
President Prabowo echoed the sentiment, emphasising Indonesia’s keenness to broaden cooperation with the UAE in ways that generate long-term prosperity for both nations. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, stressing the importance of reinforcing peace and stability and supporting political solutions to ongoing crises.
Senior Emirati officials attended the meeting, reflecting the strategic weight both countries attach to the partnership as they explore new opportunities in energy transition, digital transformation and sustainable growth.
Young Indonesian Prodigy Captivates Dubai Stage
The diplomatic engagement comes as Indonesia also makes a cultural mark in the UAE through the participation of a young Quranic prodigy at one of the Islamic world’s most prestigious competitions.
Ten-year-old Indonesian reciter Aisyah Al Rumy has qualified for the finals of the female category at the Dubai International Holy Quran Award 2026, now in its 28th edition. Widely regarded as one of the most respected and competitive Quran competitions globally, the award continues to draw exceptional talent from across the Muslim world.
Born in Malang on 19 November 2016, Aisyah has already built an impressive portfolio of achievements despite her young age. She secured first place in her district-level Holy Quran memorisation competition in 2023 and received the Jury Award at the Malang regional competition in 2024. The same year, she reached the finals of the nationally televised Hafiz Indonesia programme, further cementing her reputation as a rising star in Quranic recitation.
Her accolades continued into 2025, where she claimed first place in the Malang regional Quran recitation competition and topped the Asma’ Allah Al Husna nasheed contest. She also earned honours in multiple district and regional competitions, reflecting both precision and consistency in her memorisation and recitation.
Aisyah began memorising the Holy Quran at the age of three, after her parents enrolled her in a specialised memorisation school for children. At six, she joined Dar Al-Ukhuwwah Primary School for Quran Memorization in Malang, where she pursued structured Quranic studies alongside Arabic language learning. Her family’s encouragement and disciplined approach to revision and time management have been central to her development.
Educators describe her as an inspiring role model for young girls, demonstrating that dedication, family support and early guidance can nurture remarkable talent. Now in the fourth grade, Aisyah has reached an advanced level of mastery and retention, qualities that earned her a coveted place on the Dubai stage.
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has unveiled a renewed vision for its 28th edition, aiming to broaden its global reach and enhance its impact. Organisers announced qualitative additions designed to attract wider participation and elevate standards, while increasing total prize value to more than AED 12 million. The initiative reinforces Dubai’s position as a global centre celebrating Quranic excellence and talent from around the world.
