22 February 2025
The connection between the Middle East and the Caribbean is a relatively new yet steadily growing relationship that spans trade, investment, culture, religion, and diplomatic ties. While historically overshadowed by the Caribbean’s strong connections with Europe, North America, and Africa, recent years have seen a strengthening of relations between the Caribbean and Middle Eastern nations, particularly in energy, finance, tourism, and education. This evolving connection is laying the groundwork for deeper, more diversified partnerships across both regions.
Historical Ties: Initial Engagement and Interactions
Historically, the relationship between the Caribbean and the Middle East was limited, with sporadic engagements occurring in the areas of trade and religion.
• Early Trade Routes: Though no significant colonization or mass migration occurred between the Middle East and the Caribbean, there were occasional trade exchanges, primarily through Arab traders who supplied the Caribbean with goods like spices and textiles, particularly during the era of the Ottoman Empire.
• Religious Influence: The spread of Islam to the Caribbean has its roots in the transatlantic slave trade, where a small number of African slaves brought to the Caribbean were Muslims. While the Middle Eastern countries had limited direct involvement, the legacy of Islam in the Caribbean can be traced to Africa’s Islamic heritage, which ties the region to Middle Eastern religious traditions.
Modern Diplomatic and Economic Relations
In recent decades, there has been a noticeable shift in the relationship between the Caribbean and Middle Eastern countries. The two regions have increasingly engaged in bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Economic Engagement
• Oil and Energy Investments: One of the most significant ways the Middle East is involved in the Caribbean is through the energy sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have invested in Caribbean oil, natural gas, and renewable energy projects. These countries are not only buyers of Caribbean oil but are also seeking opportunities for joint ventures in energy exploration, infrastructure development, and renewable energy solutions.
• Financial Investments and Business: Middle Eastern financial institutions have increasingly made investments in the Caribbean, especially in areas like real estate, tourism, and infrastructure. These investments are especially evident in countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. Additionally, the Caribbean’s offshore financial centers, such as the Cayman Islands, attract investments from Middle Eastern wealth funds.
• Tourism: The Caribbean remains a popular destination for Middle Eastern tourists, particularly from the Gulf States. Many Caribbean islands are sought after for their luxury resorts, beaches, and exclusive experiences. Countries like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas are major destinations for high-end travelers from the Middle East.
Trade Relations
Caribbean nations primarily trade sugar, rum, bauxite, bananas, and seafood with the Middle East, while importing petroleum, natural gas, and luxury goods. While the overall trade volume is still modest compared to the Caribbean’s trade with the U.S. and Europe, trade agreements are increasingly being discussed between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and CARICOM (Caribbean Community).
• Free Trade Agreements and Business Partnerships: In recent years, the UAE has been an active partner, especially through initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which helps foster business collaborations between the Caribbean and the Middle East. These collaborations are particularly noticeable in tourism, construction, and technology development.
Cultural and Educational Ties
The Caribbean has long had cultural ties to various parts of the world, and the Middle East is no exception. Though smaller in comparison to Africa or Europe, Middle Eastern cultural influence is slowly beginning to shape Caribbean life.
Islam and Religion
While the Muslim population in the Caribbean is small, the presence of Islamic communities has deepened ties to the Middle East. Countries like Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have notable Muslim populations with connections to the Middle Eastern Islamic community.
• Educational Exchange: Middle Eastern scholarships and educational programs have attracted Caribbean students to universities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, and business. Conversely, the Middle Eastern student community in the Caribbean is growing, particularly in medical and tourism-related studies.
• Cultural Festivals and Art: The Caribbean has also seen an increasing presence of Middle Eastern cultural events, such as film festivals, art exhibitions, and food festivals. This exchange is enhancing understanding and dialogue between the two regions.
Sporting Diplomacy
Another area where the Middle East and the Caribbean are forging stronger connections is through sports. The Middle East, with its growing investment in sports and hosting of international events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, has led to growing interest in Caribbean athletes and sports collaboration.
• Football: Football (soccer) is a sport that unites both regions, and Caribbean footballers have gained recognition in the Middle Eastern leagues, particularly in Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the Caribbean is becoming a more attractive market for Middle Eastern sports broadcasters.
Challenges in Strengthening the Relationship
Despite the growing ties, there are several challenges that hinder the full potential of Middle Eastern-Caribbean relations:
• Geographic Distance: The vast geographic distance between the Caribbean and the Middle East makes trade and tourism more difficult, leading to higher costs and slower logistical processes.
• Cultural Differences: Although both regions share some historical ties, there are vast cultural, political, and religious differences that can sometimes hinder deeper engagement.
• Political Tensions: Some Caribbean nations, particularly those that have strong ties with Western countries, may be hesitant to strengthen political or economic relations with certain Middle Eastern states due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Looking Ahead: Expanding and Deepening Connections
As global geopolitics shift, there are significant opportunities for the Caribbean and the Middle East to enhance their partnerships. These opportunities could include:
• Collaborative Projects in Renewable Energy: The Caribbean, facing threats from climate change, could benefit from the expertise and financial resources of Middle Eastern countries in solar, wind, and sustainable energy projects.
• Tourism and Cultural Exchange: More Caribbean countries are likely to develop closer ties with the Middle East, given the shared interests in luxury tourism and cultural diplomacy.
• Increased Diplomatic Engagement: Governments on both sides are likely to continue exploring bilateral agreements and trade pacts that can foster deeper economic and cultural connections.
The relationship between the Caribbean and the Middle East, though still in its early stages, has the potential to evolve into a mutually beneficial partnership. By continuing to focus on trade, education, energy, and cultural exchange, the two regions can unlock new opportunities that benefit both peoples.
