Colombo, Sri Lanka – 05 September 2026
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. Vijitha Herath, concluded a significant two-day official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 3rd September 2026, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UAE. The visit, which commenced on 2nd September, was packed with high-level engagements focused on boosting investment, trade, tourism, and labour relations.
Sri Lanka Day Event “Beyond Your Dreams” Highlights Promotion Drive
A major highlight of Minister Herath’s visit was co-gracing the second edition of “Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams” – the flagship Sri Lanka Day event – alongside UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai on 2nd September, the event served as a powerful platform to position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for tourism, investment, and trade across the UAE and the broader Middle East region.
The esteemed gathering drew approximately 400 invitees, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior UAE and Sri Lankan government officials, prominent investors, corporate leaders, distributors, trade and tourism stakeholders, media representatives, and key influencers. During the event, Minister Herath engaged in constructive discussions with Dr. Thani, emphasizing the need to further strengthen and expand bilateral trade and economic relations. A key outcome was Minister Herath conveying Sri Lanka’s keen interest in expediting the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, aiming to deepen economic engagement and unlock greater opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and investment. The Minister also interacted extensively with UAE and Sri Lankan business leaders, fostering dialogue on commercial ties and identifying new avenues for partnerships.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements Pave Way for Deeper Cooperation
Beyond the promotional event, Minister Herath held crucial bilateral meetings with key UAE ministers. He met with Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, the UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism. These discussions primarily revolved around enhancing existing bilateral cooperation in vital sectors such as investment, trade, tourism, and labour. Both parties also explored new avenues for expanded economic cooperation and mutually beneficial engagement, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering robust partnerships.
Invitation Extended to EMAAR Group for Port City Colombo Investment
On the sidelines of his visit, Minister Herath held a significant meeting with Amit Jain, Group CEO of EMAAR Group of the UAE, and Ahmad Matrooshi, Executive Director of EMAAR Group. During this high-profile engagement, discussions focused on real estate development, with Minister Herath seizing the opportunity to extend an invitation to EMAAR Group to explore lucrative investment opportunities within Sri Lanka’s ambitious Port City Colombo project.
The successful visit saw the participation of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and other relevant Sri Lankan institutes, ensuring comprehensive representation and robust discussions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism released an official statement on 4th September 2026, affirming the positive outcomes of the Minister’s visit and the renewed commitment to strengthening the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
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