In a historic milestone for Caribbean diplomacy, Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates — the first Caribbean island nation to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in the Gulf region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, the Antiguan expatriate community, and diplomatic representatives from CARICOM member states.
Strategic Significance
"This embassy represents the beginning of a new chapter in Antigua and Barbuda's engagement with the Gulf states and the broader Arab world," Minister Greene said. "The UAE is a global hub for finance, tourism, and investment — being present here opens extraordinary opportunities for our people."
The opening comes as part of Prime Minister Browne's "Global Footprint" initiative to expand Antigua's diplomatic presence beyond traditional partners in North America, the UK, and CARICOM. Officials have indicated that a similar mission is being explored for Singapore and Japan as part of a broader Asia-Pacific engagement strategy.
UAE officials expressed enthusiasm for deepened bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism — with direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Antigua a long-term aspiration — and in investment flows into Antigua's real estate and financial services sectors.
