Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Ridwaan Jadwat as Australia's next Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Australia and the UAE have a strong relationship based on longstanding cooperation on defence, aviation, education, security and law enforcement.

The UAE is Australia's most significant regional defence partner and largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with two-way trade worth nearly $9.2 billion in 2022.

The UAE is home to around 15,000 Australians, 300 Australian companies and institutions and three Australian university campuses.

Mr Jadwat is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is Australia's Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He was most recently First Assistant Secretary, Middle East and Africa Division.

Mr Jadwat has previously served overseas as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in addition to postings in Malaysia and Iran.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Heidi Venamore PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in the United Arab Emirates since 2020.