The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced plans to establish an embassy in Fiji, further solidifying diplomatic relations between the two countries. This move was officially confirmed during a meeting in Abu Dhabi on November 5, 2025, between the President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed President Lalabalavu and his wife, First Lady Emily Lalabalavu, with an emphasis on enhancing bilateral ties. President Lalabalavu acknowledged the UAE’s significant global leadership role, particularly in relation to its forthcoming hosting of the COP28 climate conference in 2023, and invited Sheikh Mohamed to visit Fiji.
In his remarks, President Lalabalavu praised the UAE’s remarkable transformation into a global leader in innovation and prosperity, attributing this success to visionary leadership, national unity, and strategic investments. He also highlighted Fiji’s potential in harnessing renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and wave energy, and expressed gratitude for the UAE’s commitment to support Fiji in utilizing these resources.
Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the importance of cooperation between the two nations, recognizing the contributions of the Fijian community in the UAE across various sectors such as education and healthcare. The establishment of the UAE embassy in Suva is expected to enhance collaboration in key areas including health, education, and climate resilience.
Fiji and the UAE established formal diplomatic relations in March 2010, and their partnership has continued to grow through shared initiatives like the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund, which supports renewable energy projects across the Pacific. The anticipated opening of the UAE embassy is seen as a milestone that will deepen connections between the two countries and bolster exploration of further economic and cultural exchanges.
This development reflects a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s diplomatic endeavors, as the establishment of the embassy is poised to facilitate more robust cooperation and contribute to the countries’ mutual goals of sustainable development and prosperity in the face of global challenges.
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