Seychelles' first diplomatic mission in the Middle East is to be inaugurated today by President James Michel in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The President, in his capacity as Minister for Tourism, will also inaugurate the Seychelles Tourism Office which will be hosted in the same location.

The tourism office is expected to become a hub for the promotion of Seychelles in the Middle East region, where travel and consumer spending power have increased in recent times. This also forms part of the tourism policy to diversify visitors markets and put greater emphasis on attracting travellers from the region, as well as make use of the UAE hub for travellers from Asia and Australia.

Seychelles first Resident Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Ambassador, Mr Dick Esparon, presented his letters of credentials to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayan on 19th of September 2011. Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and the UAE were established on 18th December 1982.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, the President will conduct a series of meetings on bilateral issues including energy, defence and security issues.

President Michel is accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St. Ange.