DUBAI – Against the gleaming backdrop of the 2026 World Governments Summit, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a transformative partnership with the United Arab Emirates, signaling a new chapter in transcontinental connectivity and economic collaboration.
The high-level delegation, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Ambassador Theon Ali, progressed beyond theoretical discussions to establish concrete, actionable frameworks aimed at bridging the geographical and economic divide between the Caribbean and the Middle East. Central to these diplomatic efforts is the advancement of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), designed to synchronize economic policies across three critical sectors: luxury tourism, sustainable infrastructure development, and global trade logistics.
In a landmark development for global mobility, both nations are negotiating a significant expansion of their existing Mutual Visa Waiver Agreement. While currently benefiting only diplomatic and official passport holders, the proposed extension would grant ordinary citizens from both nations unprecedented freedom to travel for business and leisure, effectively eliminating longstanding bureaucratic barriers.
Complementing this initiative, the delegation advanced the renewal of a bilateral Air Services Agreement during strategic talks with UAE Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi. This critical aviation framework aims to dismantle historical connectivity challenges by streamlining regulations and incentivizing airlines to establish direct routes, thereby creating a permanent ‘air bridge’ between the regions.
Beyond tourism, the partnership focuses on substantial Emirati investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s sustainable infrastructure. Leveraging UAE expertise in smart-city development and renewable energy, the islands seek to fortify their economy against external shocks while attracting high-net-worth visitors and venture capital to their emerging digital and luxury sectors.
The summit concluded with the establishment of a Joint Technical Team tasked with implementing these agreements by year’s end. This collaboration represents a strategic pivot for small island nations, demonstrating their capacity to evolve from vacation destinations into proactive architects of global economic integration.