Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the UAE
Antigua and Barbuda is moving to strengthen its role as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean, holding high-level talks with Emirates on the possibility of direct flights from Dubai to the twin-island nation.
The meeting, which took place in Dubai, recently, brought together Antigua and Barbuda’s Deputy Head of Mission to the UAE, Ambassador Theon Ali, and senior Emirates executives led by Adnan Kazim, the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer. Also present were Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President of International Affairs, and Thierry Aucoc, Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations in West Europe and the Americas.
Officials outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as both a tourism destination and business hub, stressing its strategic location for travelers looking to access the wider Caribbean. A direct air bridge, they argued, would not only strengthen people-to-people links but also expand opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the Middle East and the region.
“Direct connectivity with the Gulf opens up tremendous opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda,” Ambassador Ali said, describing the talks as an important step toward deepening bilateral ties.
While Emirates has not announced a timeline for a decision, the airline confirmed it will study the viability of the route as part of its ongoing network strategy.
The discussions build on Antigua and Barbuda’s recent success in aviation diplomacy. Earlier this year, the government signed an air services agreement with Qatar, granting carriers from both nations unrestricted rights for passenger and cargo flights. Together, these moves signal Antigua and Barbuda’s determination to expand global connectivity and solidify its standing as a regional aviation hub.
With the nation preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026, officials say stronger international air links will be critical to supporting growth in tourism, trade, and investment.
The more gateways the better cause I’ve been longing to go to Dubai
Direct flights from Dubai would put Antigua on a whole new map. It’s not just tourism, it’s business, investment, and even medical tourism opportunities.
A direct Dubai–Antigua link could bring serious opportunities, but the government needs to push partnerships with hotels, investors, and tour operators so the benefits spread beyond the airport.
This is a bold and forward-looking move…a regional diplomat observed. Direct connectivity with Dubai would place Antigua and Barbuda on a new map of global aviation, opening corridors not just for tourists but for investors and cultural exchange
Direct flights from Dubai could introduce Antiguans and Barbudans to new cultural exchanges food, art, sports, and education links. It’s not just about planes and hotels, it’s about people.
This is more than about tourism. Dubai is a global hub for finance and logistics. Stronger ties could help diversify Antigua’s economy beyond sun and sand
Visitors from the Gulf are high-value travelers with strong interest in luxury, wellness, and island experiences. A direct Emirates flight could transform Antigua into a premium stop in the Caribbean.
If successful, this deal could bring in high-value visitors, boost hotel occupancy, and create more jobs locally.
A serious game changer for Antigua and Barbuda, working with genuine partners.
Once Emirates lands in Antigua, connecting flights could easily distribute passengers to St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, and other islands. That has the potential to strengthen Antigua’s leadership role in regional aviation