Background: Emotional intelligence and self-esteem are important factors that impact the success and wellbeing of nursing students as higher emotional intelligence improve academic and clinical performance and higher self-esteem increase motivation and confidence in nursing students. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the relation between emotional intelligence and self-esteem among nursing students. Research design: A descriptive design has been utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at Shaikh Zayed AL Nahyan Technical Nursing Institute which affiliated to Shaikh Zayed AL Nahyan Hospital affiliated to Specialized Medical Centers- Ministry of Health. Study subject: 100 nursing students were included in this study using convenience sampling technique. Data collection tools: Data were collected using I) Demographic data questionnaire, II) Schutte emotional intelligence scale and III) Rosenberg self -esteem scale. Result: More than one third of studied nursing students had moderate and high level of emotional intelligence respectively, while slightly less than half of them had moderate level of self–esteem. Conclusion: There was statistically significant relation between total level of self-esteem and total level of emotional intelligence. Recommendations: Educational workshop and seminars should be conducted regularly for the nursing students on how to develop and improve students' self –esteem and emotional intelligence skills.