Solomon Islands Community in UAE Celebrates 48th Independence

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea, cutting the Indepence cake with the President of Solomon Islands Community at UAE, Mr Clement Tavoria.

The Solomon Islands community residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary on 10 July 2026.

Reflecting this year’s Independence theme, “One Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands,” Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea, highlighted the importance of unity, cooperation, responsibility and working together for the betterment of the nation.

Addressing members of Solomon Islands community during the celebration, Ambassador Walegerea encouraged all Solomon Islanders living abroad to continue contributing to the country’s development.

“Let us be builders of our nation by contributing our knowledge, expertise and skills to help shape, influence and make a difference for the development and betterment of our country. Though residing overseas, Solomon Islands will always be our home,” Ambassador Walegerea said.

The Ambassador also highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and the UAE, as well as other Gulf countries including Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges facing the region, he said the Embassy continues to advance the Government’s priorities by pursuing a number of development cooperation and trade frameworks. Once concluded and implemented, these initiatives are expected to deliver tangible benefits for Solomon Islands.

Although the Solomon Islands community is small, it forms part of the more than 200 nationalities living in the UAE, where around 90 per cent of the population are foreign nationals.

Ambassador Walegerea reminded Solomon Islanders to be good ambassadors for their country by respecting the laws of the host nation, proudly representing Solomon Islands, and continuing to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development through their work overseas.

He also acknowledged the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its continued support to Solomon Islands, particularly in the renewable energy sector and other areas of development cooperation.

Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates in 2010, 32 years after gaining independence from Great Britain.

—MFAET PRESS RELEASE