Bilateral relations between Seychelles and UAE reach new heights
When Dr Patrick Herminie was sworn in as president of Seychelles in October 2025, his first international mission was telling. In December of that year, at the invitation of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Herminie travelled to Abu Dhabi for a meeting where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the longstanding collaboration between the two nations. For the…
In October 2025, Seychelles inaugurated its first president, Dr Patrick Herminie, who embarked on his inaugural international delegation by visiting Abu Dhabi. This was no ordinary diplomatic excursion; the trip marked a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The meeting between Herminie and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan served a dual purpose - strengthening the bilateral ties and fostering a personal connection between the two leaders. The discussions during this meeting revolved around sectors that have been integral to their partnership: infrastructure, energy, health, education, and maritime security, all of which have been bolstered by the UAE's support over the years.
The meeting was a testament to the depth of the relationship, with both sides acknowledging the commitment to advancing cooperation. Over the past four decades, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has contributed approximately AED549 million in development financing, with significant investments in energy, infrastructure, housing, and health sectors.
Masdar, a UAE entity, played a pivotal role in several projects, including the Ile de Romainville Solar Park and the Port Victoria wind farm. Emirati investments have also targeted high-end tourism, real estate, and logistics sectors, reflecting a multifaceted approach to cooperation.
However, the relationship transcends financial transactions. The UAE has funded scholarships for Seychellois students, providing them with higher education opportunities in the UAE, aligning with Seychelles' workforce priorities. This aspect underscores the human dimension of the partnership.
Geographically, Seychelles' location on the western edge of the Indian Ocean presents a strategic advantage, aligning with the UAE's time zone and offering proximity to shipping and flight routes linking the Gulf to East Africa. Moreover, the Seychelles offers a stable, high-income jurisdiction to access African markets, as the UAE has expanded its presence on the continent.
Economically, Seychelles has cultivated a regulatory environment that is increasingly investor-friendly. A liberal exchange regime, modernising financial sector, sector-specific tax incentives, and a public-private partnership framework have been put in place to streamline investor access. A new Seychelles Sovereign Investment Fund is being established to facilitate co-investment in strategic sectors, further attracting international capital.
Herminie's visit also included discussions on development initiatives such as the donation of desalination plants for water security, the Anse Royale sports complex, and a housing project in Grand Anse Mahé. The UAE confirmed these projects would proceed, providing further confidence in Seychelles' development trajectory and its role in the UAE's diplomatic priorities.
In conclusion, the visit of Dr Patrick Herminie to Abu Dhabi marks a new height in the bilateral relations between Seychelles and UAE, reflecting a convergence towards sustainability, economic resilience, and people-centric development.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
