The Emirates News Agency reported that UAE leaders congratulate Governor-General of Jamaica on Independence Day as the Caribbean nation marked its 64th anniversary on Thursday. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the well-wishers with a cable to Sir Patrick Allen, who has served as governor-general since 2009. Vice President and Prime Minister of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan dispatched parallel messages to Jamaican officials.
The correspondence conveyed wishes for Jamaica’s continued progress and stability while underscoring the value placed on bilateral friendship that has developed steadily since formal diplomatic relations began in 2011, according to Jamaican government accounts. Such annual exchanges form a consistent element of the UAE’s diplomatic outreach to nations across the Caribbean. The communications arrived as Jamaica prepared for a full schedule of national events to observe the occasion.
Jamaica gained its independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962, an event now commemorated with nationwide festivities each year. For 2026 the Jamaica Information Service outlined a programme that includes an emancipation thanksgiving service, cultural performances and a grand independence gala broadcast live from the National Stadium. The observances carry the theme of unity in celebrating resilience, reflecting the nation’s history and forward-looking spirit.
Bilateral trade has accelerated in recent years even as overall volumes remain modest, Observatory of Economic Complexity figures show. UAE exports to Jamaica expanded at an annualized rate of 30.8 percent from 2018 through 2023 when they reached $13.1 million. Jamaican sales to the UAE posted even more dramatic gains in the early part of the decade, a separate industry analysis noted, rising more than 5,000 percent between 2021 and 2022.
The two nations interact regularly in global forums where they share interests in climate action, sustainable development and issues affecting small island states, according to diplomatic records. Jamaica maintains an embassy in Abu Dhabi while the UAE accredits its envoy from a neighbouring capital. These arrangements facilitate continued dialogue on issues of mutual benefit.
Sir Patrick Allen continues to play a pivotal constitutional role in Jamaican public life more than 15 years into his tenure. The position, which represents the head of state, receives such international courtesies as standard practice among friendly states. The latest messages from Abu Dhabi add to a long record of goodwill between the UAE and countries across the Caribbean region.
