Abinader shares with the Dominican community in the United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates.- Within the framework of his official agenda in the United Arab Emirates, President Luis Abinader held a close and special meeting with Dominican citizens residing in that country, with whom he discussed their experience abroad, their projects, and the development that the nation is experiencing.  “I always like to share and feel that pride of Dominicans wherever we go,” expressed the president reiterating his interest in maintaining direct contact with the Dominican diaspora. The Head of State highlighted that the country continues to advance despite the challenges, with social and economic indicators constantly improving. “It is never enough, but the indicators have been improving,” he affirmed, while emphasizing that the country has consolidated as one of the countries with the lowest crime rate after El Salvador, in Latin America and the Caribbean and the fourth in all of Latin America, in addition to registering a reduction in deaths from traffic accidents and progress in the hospital network. President Abinader also highlighted the dynamism of key sectors such as tourism and free zones, as well as strategic projects that seek to promote a more balanced development. In that sense, he mentioned initiatives such as the tourism development of Pedernales, which he defined as one of his main legacies due to its impact on the south, and the construction of a new port in Manzanillo to strengthen exports.

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The leader pointed out that economic diversification has been fundamental to the sustained growth of the country and assured that the objective is to continue reducing social gaps.

“We received poverty at 25% and we estimate to close 2025 around 17.5%. That is the most important metric, because it is the one that takes people out of poverty,” he pointed out.

In institutional matters, he highlighted the democratic advances and freedom of the press, as well as the stability that distinguishes the Dominican Republic in a turbulent region.

“We are a beacon of tranquility and peace. We are not a country of extremes; we must protect that peace, move forward and improve everything that is necessary,” he stated.

The president also addressed challenges such as the crisis in Haiti and the regional situation, reiterating that the Government is working to preserve stability and growth opportunities. “We have done something right as a country in the last 30 years. We have learned from our mistakes and will continue to move forward to improve the quality of life for all,” he said.

Pride and commitment to DR

The Dominican community in the United Arab Emirates expressed its pride and commitment to the Dominican Republic during a meeting led by President Luis Abinader, in which community leaders and young professionals highlighted the effort to maintain cultural identity and a sense of belonging abroad. In the dialogue, the need to strengthen bilateral relations through the opening of direct flights between both countries was raised. The president confirmed that the issue is part of the official conversations with the Emirati government and highlighted the growth of Dominican tourism, as well as the potential of Santo Domingo as a regional connection center. In educational matters, young Dominicans expressed their interest in contributing to the country's development. The Head of State valued these initiatives and outlined government advances in school infrastructure, student transportation, technical education, strengthening the public system, and bilingual training, highlighting the importance of mentoring from abroad. The ruler reiterated that education is a priority of his administration and urged the diaspora to guide young people in their communities through programs like Beca Tu Futuro. He also reported on the expansion of the National Institute of Professional Technical Training (Infotep), polytechnics, the Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA) and university cities of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) in different provinces of the country, During the meeting, topics related to consular services, investment, and technology were also addressed. The Head of State acknowledged the difficulties with passport issuance and noted that the biometric passport will help expedite processes. He also highlighted the historic record of foreign direct investment, the role of ProDominicana, and the National Strategic Plan for Artificial Intelligence in alliance with Nvidia. Finally, concerns were addressed regarding exports, political participation, and leveraging Dominican talent abroad. The president explained the importance of logistics and cargo flights to expand exports, informed that the establishment of voting tables in the Gulf region will be evaluated, and highlighted that the diaspora can contribute to national development by applying individually, in the private sector, or with the volunteer work that is formed with the remodeling of hospitals throughout the country, which already total 95. President Abinader concluded his words by expressing himself as follows: "It has been a great conversation with you; I congratulate you and sincerely tell you that I am proud of such a diverse community, which contributes so much to various areas and sectors and that the vast majority of Dominicans are good people all over the world and remember something. The best way for you to see what you are and to show that you are excellent Dominicans and where you come from, is by being good citizens as you are here in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates".

President Abinader's gesture of speaking with the community and getting to know them

From his side, the Dominican Republic's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Renso Antonio Herrera Franco, valued President Abinader's gesture of speaking with the community, finding out how they are, what they are doing, and also explaining to them what he is promoting from the Government. Meanwhile, the executive director of the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), Biviana Riveiro, reported that for two or three years, conversations have been held with the airline Emirates, in the interest of taking advantage of the open skies agreement and promoting the establishment of routes from the United Arab Emirates to the Dominican Republic. She explained that this type of operation usually starts with cargo flights before incorporating passenger transport, and highlighted that the Dominican community, as users of these services, can contribute to making the need for this connection visible. Likewise, it was pointed out that ProDominicana is available to accompany any initiative related to investment or marketing of Dominican products, reiterating its willingness to maintain contact with the diaspora. The meeting took place in a cordial and participatory atmosphere, allowing Dominicans to express concerns and share impressions with the ruler and concluded with a space for a group photograph, a reflection of the close bond that the president promotes with the Dominican community abroad.