The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAET) refutes recent social media claims concerning Fiji’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
At no time have the Embassy’s core diplomatic responsibilities been compromised. The Embassy provided full support to the recent official visit to the UAE by the Fiji delegation led by the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, from 1–9 November 2025.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability in all diplomatic engagements. It has full confidence in our diplomats to perform their duties with distinction and to safeguard Fiji’s reputation on the global stage.
The Ministry strongly urges social media users to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation that undermines Fiji’s foreign service, diminishes the critical role of Fijian diplomats, and exposes them to unjust victimisation online.
Furthermore, the Ministry reserves the right to refer this matter to the Online Safety Commission and to take appropriate action against individuals or groups responsible for disseminating false information or inciting harassment of our hardworking officers.
To verify and clarify the matter, the Ministry wishes to highlight the following points and set the record straight:
• During the absence of the Head of Mission, Fiji’s Ambassador to the UAE, Siddiq Faizal Riyad Koya—who was on pre-planned and approved leave in Fiji for his son’s wedding—the First and Second Secretaries ensured the seamless execution of all diplomatic duties. These included welcoming the delegation on arrival, facilitating high-level engagements, and seeing them off at departure.
• As confirmed through official Fiji Government media coverage, the Ambassador, upon his return to the UAE, joined His Excellency President Lalabalavu on 9 November for a visit to UUDS Aero DWC-LLC to meet Fijian workers. Prior to this, the First and Second Secretaries accompanied His Excellency during his engagements with the Fijian diaspora, followed by his meeting with the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi.
• During the visit, both Secretaries were awarded Civil Service Medals by His Excellency President Lalabalavu on 3 November—an honour that reflects their unwavering commitment and dedicated service as Fijian diplomats.
• Upon completion of the President’s official visit, the Ambassador travelled to Qatar in his capacity as Fiji’s non-resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar, where he met the Fiji Men’s 7s Team in Doha in support of the Rugby Cooperation Agreement signed earlier this year between the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and the Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF).