FIJI will welcome United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi on an official visit this week, with discussions expected to focus on trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and development cooperation.
The visit will provide an opportunity to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest and strengthen the growing relationship between the two countries, the Fiji Government said.
“During her visit, Dr Al Kaabi is expected to meet senior Fiji Government officials for discussions on opportunities to deepen bilateral ties and expand economic cooperation,” the Fiji government statement said.
Discussions are expected to cover the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, memoranda of understanding in areas of mutual interest, and opportunities to strengthen connectivity and economic links between Fiji and the UAE.
The anticipated establishment of a UAE Embassy in Suva will also be an important focus of discussions, reflecting the UAE’s growing engagement with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Fiji and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 2010, and the partnership continues to expand across development, economic, and international cooperation.
“The Fiji Government looks forward to welcoming Dr Al Kaabi and further advancing the warm and growing partnership between Fiji and the UAE.”
Al Kaabi has served as a Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since February 2023. She also serves as Chairperson of the UAE National Orchestra, Commissioner of the UAE Expo Office, Secretary-General of the Kalimat Foundation and Non-Executive Director of Alef Education.
These roles complement her current efforts to promote mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties through initiatives that celebrate shared humanity and advance culture and education as vital bridges for collective progress.
She has played a pivotal role in fostering constructive dialogue, understanding and collaboration across the globe and has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen the global presence of the United Arab Emirates.
UAE Cultural Visionary Recognised
Among her notable achievements was representing the UAE on the UNESCO Executive Board and leading the UAE’s participation in UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, a global project dedicated to restoring cultural and heritage sites in Iraq.
Her contributions to strengthening international cultural relations were internationally recognised. She was awarded the Chevalier of the French Order of the Legion of Honour and the Chevalier of the French Order of Merit, and received the Diplomatic Service Medal — Gwanghwamun Medal from the Republic of Korea.
Al Kaabi previously served as Minister of Culture and Youth and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs. She also served as Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, President of Zayed University, Chairperson of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
She played a vital role in empowering creative communities in the UAE during her tenure as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Media and Chairperson of the Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi, twofour54.
Al Kaabi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University and pursued postgraduate studies in Executive Leadership at the London Business School.
