His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with presidents and prime ministers from the Caribbean on February 4, 2026, at the World Governments Summit in Dubai to review existing cooperation with the UAE and explore opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships. The discussions focused on trade expansion, mutual investments in infrastructure, renewable energy and maritime logistics, as well as environmental initiatives for resource sustainability, according to a report from the Emirates News Agency.
The meeting brought together Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica, Noemi Espinoza Madrid, Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States, and ministers from St Lucia, the Bahamas, Suriname and other nations in the region. It also included leaders from several Pacific island countries including Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau, James Marape of Papua New Guinea, and representatives from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji, the World Governments Summit organisation reported. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the active participation of the leaders in the summit, which he said serves as a cornerstone of its success as a platform for global dialogue.
During the talks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated that Caribbean countries hold strategic importance for global trade and represent some of the most promising growth destinations in the new global economy. He added, “Our strategic partnerships are built on a shared vision and a mutual commitment to investing in future economies, ensuring global trade growth, and confronting emerging challenges through enhanced cooperation and future readiness.” The UAE Vice President reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its close partnerships with Caribbean nations, recognising them as a vital bridge connecting Global South economies with dynamic international markets, as detailed in the WAM article.
Caribbean leaders expressed their commitment to deep-rooted ties with the UAE, recognising the nation as an ideal partner in building resilient and sustainable economies. They acknowledged that their ties with the UAE mark a strategic shift, offering new opportunities for their promising economies, according to the official account of the meeting. The leaders also lauded Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his visionary leadership in establishing the World Governments Summit as a leading platform for shaping the future and advancing international cooperation.
The World Governments Summit 2026 brings together more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, and representatives from various sectors, its organisers have said. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, was among the UAE officials attending the meeting along with ministers of health, education and state. This gathering provided the setting for multiple bilateral discussions aimed at fostering global partnerships.
Caribbean delegations participated in several key events at the summit, including the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Forum and the 10th International Cooperation Conference of the Association of Caribbean States. These sessions allowed for broader engagement beyond the high-level meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The participation underscores the summit’s role in facilitating dialogue between the UAE and Caribbean nations on pressing economic and developmental issues.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured the summit venue earlier in the week, where the event operated under the theme of Shaping Future Governments, according to the Media Office of the Government of Dubai. Several Caribbean state leaders joined discussions and keynote sessions throughout the gathering. The summit has served as a venue for UAE outreach to small island nations facing shared global economic and environmental pressures.
