Fiji Embassy- Abu Dhabi

🌿 Easter Message 2026 🌿

Ni sa bula vinaka.

My dear fellow Fijians across the UAE, GCC, and the wider Middle East,

Warm Easter greetings to each and every one of you.

As we celebrate this sacred season, we are reminded of Easter’s message of hope, renewal, resilience, and the triumph of light over adversity. In today’s environment, marked by economic pressures, changing work conditions, and wider uncertainties, this message feels especially close to our hearts.

During such times, we look to one another for strength, and I want you to know how deeply proud we are of you.

Easter is not only a time of faith, but also a reflection of who we are as a people. In Fiji, it is celebrated across our multiracial and multicultural society, where unity, respect, and shared values bring us together as one family. That same spirit lives within you wherever you are.

Here in the UAE, a nation that also embraces diversity and multiculturalism, many of you have found a second home. Whether you are among the 227 Fijians in the UAE or part of the 406 across the wider region, including our peacekeeping forces who serve with honour, each of you carries the heart of Fiji with you.

I know many of you are far from your families during this special time. Some of you are working long hours, caring for others, studying, or quietly doing your part in your professions as teachers, nurses, aviation staff, security personnel, and students. Please remember, you are never alone. You are part of one Fijian family.

The spirit of vanua, our deep sense of connection, care, and belonging, continues to bind us together across oceans and distance. As your Ambassador, I see you not just as citizens abroad, but as sons and daughters of Fiji who continue to make us proud every day.

Let this Easter be a time to pause, to find peace in your hearts, and to reach out to one another. Check on a fellow Fijian, share a meal, say a prayer together, and keep that warm Fijian spirit alive.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, peaceful, and joyful Easter.

Vinaka vakalevu, and may God continue to watch over you all.

His Excellency, Ambassador, Siddiq Faizal Riyad Koya

FIJI AND NEW ZEALAND DISCUSS PACIFIC TRADE PRIORITIES AHEAD OF WTO TALKS

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, met with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon. Todd McClay, on 25 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The meeting took place in the lead-up to the World Trade Organization (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).

During the meeting, Hon. Ditoka congratulated Hon. McClay on his appointment as Vice Chair of the WTO Ministerial Conference, noting the importance of Pacific representation and leadership at the global level.

The Ministers discussed key global trade issues with direct implications for their countries, including ongoing efforts to make global trade rules more inclusive and equitable for smaller economies.

They also discussed the growing disruption to global supply chains arising from ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, and acknowledged the importance of maintaining open, predictable trade flows to support economic stability, particularly for small and import-dependent economies like Fiji.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration to ensure that outcomes from MC14 reflect development priorities and support inclusive growth.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation and to work towards practical, balanced outcomes that support sustainable development and economic resilience in the Pacific.



Photo Caption: (From left to right): Fiji’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and New Zealand Minister of Trade and Investment, Hon. Todd McClay.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji

Islands Business
The Fiji Times
Fiji Sun
fijivillage
FBC News
Fiji One News
Mai TV

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15kYCEf6Mvu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS & EXTERNAL TRADE

The Government of Fiji is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, including recent reports of escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and incidents reported in parts of the wider region.

Our Missions and Honorary Consuls in the Middle East are in contact with relevant authorities and are maintaining communication channels with Fijian nationals where necessary.

At this stage, we have not received confirmed reports of Fijian citizens directly affected by the recent incidents.

We are aware that Fijian nationals reside and work in countries such as Qatar and other parts of the Gulf. As a precaution, our Ministry is reviewing contingency protocols and stands ready to provide consular support should the need arise.

To Fijians currently in the region, we urge you to:
- Remain calm,
- Follow official advisories issued by host governments,
- Maintain contact with family members where possible, and
- Register with the nearest Fiji Mission if you have not already done so.

To families here at home who may be concerned, please be assured that the Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates should circumstances materially change.

Fiji continues to call for restraint, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

🚨𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 🚨

𝐓𝐨: 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐆𝐂𝐂 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐀

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Bula Vinaka to all our Fijians in the UAE, GCC and wider MENA region,

The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji wishes to provide the following important updates and guidance in light of ongoing regional developments, including the temporary closure of airspace across parts of the Gulf region.

𝟏. 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 & 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with several GCC countries, has implemented temporary airspace closures and flight restrictions as a precautionary security measure.

Commercial flights have been cancelled, delayed, rerouted, or suspended until further notice.

UAE authorities have indicated that airspace will reopen only when it is assessed to be fully safe to do so.

All Fijian nationals are strongly advised to ‘regularly check directly with their respective airlines’ for the latest updates on flight status, rebooking options, refunds, or rescheduling arrangements.

Passengers should monitor official airline websites and verified communication channels rather than relying on third-party sources.

𝟐. 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

Fijian nationals currently in the UAE on tourism or visit visas may utilize available provisions to extend or regularize their stay following flight cancellations.

The UAE authorities have reassured Heads of Mission that flexibility will be exercised in cases involving passport or documentation issues, where necessary.

Land borders to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Oman remain open; however, movement at border crossings is reportedly very slow. Travel through land borders is therefore discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

The UAE Government has informed diplomatic missions that accommodation support will be provided for stranded tourists affected by flight disruptions.

𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐀𝐛𝐮 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢

The Embassy kindly requests all Fijian nationals who are not UAE residents (including tourists and short-term visitors) to register with the Embassy as soon as possible (via our registration google link circulated earlier).

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨:

• Provide timely updates
• Offer necessary consular support
• Maintain situational awareness of our nationals in-country

𝟒. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 & 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲

UAE authorities have emphasized the following:

The UAE remains confident in its defensive, anti-missile, and counter-drone capabilities, which have resulted in significant interceptions and minimized casualties.

Nationals and residents are advised to remain calm, continue normal routines where safe to do so, and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities.

In the absence of designated public shelters, individuals are advised to seek cover in basements or secure indoor areas if required.

The UAE continues to call for negotiations and de-escalation, while emphasizing the importance of regional security considerations.

𝟓. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

For urgent consular matters, the Embassy remains operational and in close coordination with Headquarters and relevant authorities.

Emergency assistance requests in the UAE have been submitted through the official Ministry portal system. Further details, including any dedicated call center number(s) provided by UAE authorities should be used for any emergencies.

𝟔. 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲

We strongly reiterate our earlier guidance to all Fijians in the UAE, GCC and MENA region:

Remain calm and vigilant

Shelter indoors where necessary

Avoid unnecessary travel

Follow 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 official instructions issued by UAE and accredited country authorities

Regularly check with airlines regarding flight updates

Rely only on verified and official information sources

Do not circulate rumors or unverified information

The situation remains fluid and evolving. The safety and security of all Fijian nationals remain our highest priority.

Further updates will be provided should circumstances materially change.

Vinaka vakalevu. Please stay safe and remain alert.

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢, 𝐀𝐛𝐮 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢

📢 MEDIA RELEASE

Support for Fijian Nationals in Abu Dhabi

The Embassy wishes to inform Fijian nationals currently in Abu Dhabi that the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has issued an official directive to all hotel establishments regarding guests affected by current travel restrictions.

Hotels have been requested to extend the stay of guests who have reached their check out date but are unable to depart due to circumstances beyond their control, including the cancellation of commercial flights following the temporary closure of UAE airspace.

The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.

Fijian nationals in Abu Dhabi on visit or tourism visas who are affected are encouraged to liaise directly with their hotel management regarding the extension of their stay.

The Embassy also kindly requests all Fijian nationals in the UAE who are not residents to register with the Embassy as soon as possible. This will assist us in providing timely updates and any necessary support.

For registration or assistance, please contact the Embassy through our official communication channels.

The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄

To All Fijians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Gulf Region (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait) and Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.

In light of the recent geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji issues the following advisory to all Fijian nationals in the region.

🔔 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐘 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

• The Embassy is actively coordinating with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and accredited countries to monitor developments and ensure the safety of all Fijians.

• Please remain calm, vigilant, and alert to official updates.

• The Embassy, in close liaison with Headquarters and the Fiji Mission in Israel, continues to monitor regional security developments closely.

• Members of the Fijian community in the UAE and GCC are advised to shelter in place where necessary, stay indoors, follow instructions from local authorities, and avoid unnecessary travel at this time.

📞 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 (𝟐𝟒/𝟕)

First Secretary: Mr. Sanaila Laqai
📞 +971 0501999542

📧 [email protected]
Second Secretary: Mr. Jaljeet Kumar
📞 +971 0501999205
📧 [email protected]

🛑 𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

As a precaution, please ensure you have ready access to:
✔ Valid Passport, ID (contact the Embassy if expired or near expiry)
✔ Personal medication and medical supplies
✔ Adequate funds (ATM/card services may be disrupted)
✔ Charged mobile phone, charger & power bank
✔ 3-day supply of food and water
✔ Basic hygiene items
✔ Small first aid kit
✔ Copies of important documents (preferably waterproof)
✔ Flashlight & extra batteries
✔ Emergency contact numbers
⚠️ 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦. 𝐼𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

The Embassy remains vigilant and fully committed to the safety and welfare of all Fijians in the region.

Vinaka vakalevu for your cooperation.

Stay safe. Stay connected.