GUYANA has a visa-free entry agreement with over three dozen countries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been added to that list, following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This significant development has been met with exciting reactions from the public, and it is important that we recognise the good such an agreement has for Guyanese, the continued development of Guyana and the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Guyanese now have the opportunity to travel to the Middle Eastern country without being subjected to the tedious visa process. The exploration of a different culture and way of life, new surroundings and a country far more developed than Guyana is now within reach for many who might have dreamed of visiting the UAE.

Located on two different continents and more than 12,000 kilometres apart, the UAE and Guyana have a few things in common, including oil production. As a matter of fact, the UAE, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$504.17 billion in 2023, according to official data from the World Bank, is one of the world’s biggest oil-and- gas producers.

Guyana can learn a lesson or two from the UAE when it comes to oil-and-gas production. As production increases, given that we are new in the game, advice and guidance from such a country should be both cherished and welcomed.
The lifting of the visa requirement signals an evolution in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and is an indication of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government’s commitment to ensuring that Guyana fosters solid international cooperation with as many countries as possible, and is put in a position where it thrives and is well-respected globally.

The two countries have laid the foundation for improving relations, as their leaders had agreed last year to extend cooperation in key areas, including food security, energy, technology, capacity building, and cultural and social exchanges.
With this new policy in place, entry hindrances and frustration for Guyanese will be removed, and they will now be assured of hassle-free travel to the UAE. Hopefully, this also opens the door for discussions on better travel arrangements, including a UAE-based airline flying to Guyana.

Guyanese should welcome the opportunity to visit the Middle East with ease, more so Dubai, which is known for luxury shopping, modern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene, and Abu Dhabi, which can be associated with luxurious living, skyscrapers and thrilling theme parks.
With the current administration focused on the expansion and modernisation of many sectors, there are opportunities to partner with the UAE’s private sector, particularly the business community.
We should all be trilled, knowing that many opportunities will now be available. It is up to us to capitalise on them, and use those opportunities to develop ourselves and country, guaranteeing a bright future for generations to come.