Australian businesses grow sixfold, community fourfold in UAE since 2004: Governor General

• Published date: 20 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

Australia-UAE relations have witnessed tremendous growth since the country's diplomatic mission was opened here in 2004, with Australian businesses growing sixfold and Australians living in the Emirates almost fourfold, Australia's Governor-General David Hurley told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

"Australia had a diplomatic presence in the UAE since 2004. Since then, until 2022, diplomatic relationship has deepened quite considerably. We have a larger footprint - diplomatically in Abu Dhabi and Dubai," he said.

In an exclusive interview with WAM at the Australian Ambassador's residence in the capital, he explained that, on the economic front, the number of Australian companies in the UAE was increased six times, from 50 in 2004 to over 300 in 2022, which was a significant and diversified growth.

Diversified growth

Initially Australian businesses in the UAE were focused on traditional minerals and primary products such as food etc. "We've now diversified into an enormous range of advanced technologies and education."

In education sector, Wollongong University opened the first Australian international university in Dubai and other universities followed the suit, he pointed out.

In defence sector, the relationship has grown significantly over these years, he noted.

The number of Australians living here was increased almost four times, from 4,000 in 2004 to around 15,000 in 2022. "So, all that has occurred in that timeframe," said Hurley who was sworn in as the Governor-General on 1st July 2019.

He was in Abu Dhabi to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, congratulated him on being elected as President of the UAE and offered condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Governor-General of Australia is representative of the UK's Queen Elizabeth the Second. In practice, they are Australia's Head...