Abu Dhabi, 8 October 2025 – The Embassy of the Republic of Malta in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Malta in Dubai, hosted a distinguished event to mark the 61st Anniversary of Malta’s Independence. The event, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi, was hosted by Her Excellency Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the UAE, and honoured by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Omar Al Neyadi, Director of European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Dr Michael Falzon, Malta’s Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, as Guests of Honour.

Malta Day in the UAE is not only a commemoration of Malta’s Independence; it is also a moment to reflect on the enduring friendship between Malta and the United Arab Emirates: a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future.

The reception was attended by senior Maltese and Emirati officials, representatives of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, parliamentarians, senior government representatives, business leaders, travel trade, artists, academics, the Maltese community residing in the UAE and Friends of Malta. Their presence underscored the strength of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple fields.

In her address, Ambassador Camilleri Calleja paid tribute to the highlighted milestones in bilateral cooperation between Malta and the UAE. Trade relations have also flourished, making the UAE Malta’s largest export partner in the Gulf region for two consecutive years.

Tourism and cultural diplomacy play a central role in strengthening people-to-people connections. The Malta Tourism Authority, represented by AVIAREPS in the UAE, and airlines connecting the two countries, have been instrumental in promoting Malta as a destination. During the evening, the Global Trend Monitor magazine was also launched — a 27-page publication promoting Malta across various sectors, including fashion, art exhibitions, restaurants in Malta, high-quality hotels, perfumes, and beauty products manufactured in Malta. Cultural diplomacy was also celebrated at the event with a photographic exhibition by Maltese Artist Lorenzo Agius, as well as the musical talents of Kevin Paul Calleja. The evening concluded with a vibrant celebration of lifestyle represented through Maltese culinary delights and Maltese music reminiscent of the Maltese summer piazza feeling