Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 8, 2025 … On the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment of Antigua and Barbuda, engaged in a high-level bilateral meeting with His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The meeting, held in Riyadh, focused on advancing mutual interests between Antigua and Barbuda and the UAE, particularly in the areas of air connectivity, tourism collaboration, and global partnership. Both ministers exchanged views on strengthening cooperation through the potential commencement of Emirates Airlines flights to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the development of a joint tour package to promote multi-destination travel between the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Minister Fernandez and His Excellency Al Marri also discussed Antigua and Barbuda’s support for the UAE’s candidacy within international tourism and economic fora, recognizing the UAE’s leadership in tourism innovation and its growing role in shaping global economic transformation.
Minister Fernandez underscored the importance of sustained bilateral engagement within the tourism industry, emphasizing that such partnerships not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic diversification and resilience across regions.
“Strengthening partnerships like these helps to bridge markets, cultures, and opportunities. Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to fostering strategic alliances that promote sustainable tourism growth, trade expansion, and mutual prosperity,” Minister Fernandez noted.
Minister Fernandez was accompanied at the meeting by H.E. Theon Ali, Ambassador to Qatar and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in the United Arab Emirates
