Antigua and Barbuda marked a significant milestone in its diplomatic history with the official opening of an Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 21 May 2025. The move represents a commitment by the twin-island state to strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE and expanding the nation’s footprint in the Gulf region and beyond.
The official opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, and hosted by Ambassador Gilbert Boustany, the country’s first resident Ambassador to the UAE. The UAE was represented at the by its Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, along with members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and special invited guests.
Minister Greene, in delivering the feature address, hailed the opening as a landmark in Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign relations agenda. “This is more than a ceremonial inauguration; it is a tangible declaration of our intent to forge lasting, meaningful ties with the United Arab Emirates,” he said. He praised the UAE’s transformational development and its leadership in areas such as sustainability, innovation, and global diplomacy — which have served as a beacon of inspiration for countries like Antigua and Barbuda.
“It is this spirit of ambition and resilience that we admire and strive to emulate,” FA Minister Greene added.
Ambassador Boustany echoed the sentiment, describing the Embassy as a diplomatic bridge and a platform for partnership. Reflecting on over a decade of relationship-building in the UAE, Ambassador Boustany expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its enduring friendship and support.
“This Embassy is more than a diplomatic mission. It is a gateway for strategic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared innovation,” said the Ambassador. “We envision a future of joint action — one that delivers real results for our people and advances mutual interests.”
The establishment of this Embassy solidifies Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to global engagement and enhances its ability to support its citizens abroad. It is also a strategic step in positioning the country as a key partner in the Global South, connecting the Caribbean with the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
In attendance were senior officials from both governments and key partners in diplomacy, energy, and international trade. Special recognition was given to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its instrumental role in facilitating the Embassy’s launch, as well as to Vici Energy and other private sector supporters who contributed to making the event a success.
