UAE Ambassador’s visit opens doors for renewable energy, tech, and infrastructure partnerships in Batam
Following Australia’s interest, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its intent to forge a strategic partnership with Batam. The move signals growing international confidence in the Indonesian island’s economic prospects.
UAE Delegation Visits Batam for Strategic Talks
On July 2, 2025, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, led an official delegation to Batam, meeting with Head of BP Batam and Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad. The high-level meeting, held at Batam City Hall, aimed to expand bilateral cooperation, evaluate existing investments, and identify new business opportunities.
Amsakar welcomed the delegation with optimism, stating the visit was “a proud moment” and expressing hope that it would lead to deeper economic ties. The meeting also included representatives from UAE-based firms already operating in Batam, highlighting successful foreign direct investment (FDI) experiences on the island.
Key Sectors of Interest: Energy, Data, and Manufacturing
Both parties agreed on several strategic sectors with high potential for collaboration. These included:
- Renewable energy, particularly solar power
- Oil and gas exploration and services
- Digital technology and data centers (notably Nongsa Digital Park)
- Logistics and warehousing
- Food processing and manufacturing industries
Mayor Amsakar noted the alignment between Batam’s industrial strengths and the UAE’s global investment priorities. “Our potentials intersect in many sectors. This alignment paves the way for solid and beneficial cooperation,” he said.
New Investment Regulations Make Batam More Attractive
Amsakar also emphasized two newly issued national regulations—Government Regulation (PP) No. 25/2025 and PP No. 28/2025—as game-changers for investors. These rules allow permits to be processed directly in Batam, rather than through Jakarta, streamlining business operations and reinforcing Batam’s autonomy as an investment hub.
“These new regulations show how seriously the central government supports Batam’s role in attracting and managing investment,” he stated confidently.
UAE Keen on Expanding Global Investment Portfolio
Ambassador Al Dhaheri confirmed that the UAE is aggressively expanding its global investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and tourism. Batam’s free trade zone status and tax incentives make it an ideal candidate for UAE-backed projects.
“From solar panels to oil and gas, UAE companies have succeeded globally. We’re ready to collaborate closely with Batam to bring both investment and added value to the region,” Al Dhaheri said.
Real-Time Dialogue with Existing UAE Investors
The discussion concluded with a session involving UAE firms already operating in Batam, who shared insights into their experiences. Local officials from both Batam City Government and BP Batam responded promptly to feedback, showcasing the city’s commitment to investor support and regulatory responsiveness.
This proactive engagement reflects Batam’s growing reputation as a responsive and business-friendly jurisdiction in Southeast Asia.
The UAE’s interest in forming a strategic investment partnership with Batam marks a significant milestone in the island’s international standing. With progressive regulations, sectoral alignment, and strong diplomatic backing, Batam is poised to become a critical investment gateway between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. For Indonesia and nearby nations like Singapore, this signals robust regional development and economic integration.
Sources: Durasi (2025) , Posmetro Batam (2025)
Keywords: Batam Investment, UAE Batam Partnership, Amsakar Achmad, Free Trade Zone Indonesia, Nongsa Digital Park, Infrastructure Investment UAE
