The Bahamas Opens Embassy in the United Arab Emirates

12th February 2024. Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to announce the opening of a Bahamas Foreign Mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The office will also serve as a center for relations with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

This embassy opening marks the culmination of a long process of establishing formal diplomatic relations between these countries.

(L-R) Janet Johnson and Dominick Gomez of the Bureau of Middle East Affairs; Prettia Dean and Eugene Poitier of the Embassy in UAE; Ambassador to the UAE HE Tony Joudi; Foreign Minister Frederick A. Mitchell; Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, Minister of the Foreign Service; Permanent Secretary Mr. Melvin Seymour; HE Taran Mackey, Ambassador to Kuwait at the embassy opening.

The embassy aims to provide consular services to Bahamians in the area and foster stronger ties between the Bahamas and the Gulf region.

Diplomatic Relations and Agreements

The Bahamas established diplomatic relations with the UAE in 2011, Qatar in 2013, and Saudi Arabia in 2022.

Agreements such as a visa abolition agreement with the UAE and an MOU on technical assistance have been signed, with further agreements on asset protection and double taxation planned.

These agreements aim to deepen cultural and people-to-people ties, economic cooperation, and technical assistance.

Bahamas’ International Engagement

The Bahamas seeks active participation in international organizations, aiming for positions in various bodies including the International Maritime Organization, International Telecommunications Union, and Food and Agriculture Organization.

We also seek a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

This active engagement reflects the Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining established international institutions and working within them for global good.

Climate Change as a Priority

Climate change is identified as the Bahamas’ top foreign policy issue, given the existential threat it poses to the islands.

The Bahamas plans to continue working with the UAE and other regional partners on climate action, participating in future COP meetings.

The vulnerability of the Bahamas to rising sea levels is highlighted, with projections indicating significant land loss by 2100.