The Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai advance Australia's foreign policy, security, international development, trade, investment and business interests in the UAE and foster a strong partnership between the governments and people of Australia and the UAE.
A broad range of Australian Government departments are represented, reflecting the strength and diversity of our bilateral relationship. They include the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Defence, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The Embassy and Consulate promote Australian culture and offer passport and consular services to Australian citizens living in or visiting the UAE. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides consular services to Australians in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai to those in the northern Emirates.
Bilateral relations between Australia and the United Arab Emirates
Bilateral relations between Australia and the UAE are warm, multi-faceted and growing rapidly. They are underpinned by extensive trade relations, and the UAE is Australia’s largest Middle East trade and investment partner. We enjoy good defence, aviation security and law enforcement cooperation, the latter underpinned by agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal law matters and extradition. Our defence relationship with the UAE is strong and enduring. The UAE provided generous support to Australian evacuations from Afghanistan.
The bilateral relationship is underpinned by enduring people-to-people links. Over 300 Australian companies are operating in the country. Numbers of Australians in the UAE have dropped in recent years, coinciding with reduced flights throughout the pandemic. Emirates and Etihad Airlines continued to operate services to Australia during the pandemic, owing to their view of the long-term importance of the Australian market.
The Australian Ambassador to the UAE is based at the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Australia also has a Consulate-General/Trade Commissioner in Dubai. State government offices representing New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia are also based in the UAE.
Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
HE Ms Heidi Venamore PSM
HE Ms Heidi Venamore PSM Australian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Ms Venamore is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Before arriving in the UAE, she was the Assistant Secretary of the Counter Terrorism Branch. She has previously served overseas as Ambassador, Australian Embassy, Amman (2012- 2016); Head of Political Branch, Australian High Commission, London (2008-2012) and as Deputy Ambassador, Australian Embassy, Baghdad (2003-2005). From 1997-1998, she was a Consultant in the World Bank’s West Bank and Gaza office. She served as Third Secretary, Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv (1994 – 1996). In Canberra Ms Venamore has served as Director, Sea Law Section, Legal Branch (2006-2008) and Director, Iraq Task Force (2002- 2003). She has worked on other Middle East, International Law and International Security matters for the Department during her career. Ms Venamore holds a Master of Laws (International Law) from the University of Cambridge (2001); a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Australian National University (1993); and a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland (1991). Ms Venamore is married with two children.
Public Holidays Closure - 2023
- Monday 02 January - New Year’s Day (In lieu)
- Thursday 26 January - Australia Day
- Friday 07 April - Good Friday
- Monday 10 April - Easter Monday
- Thursday 20 April - Eid Al-Fitr
- Friday 21 April - Eid Al-Fitr
- Wednesday 28 June - Eid Al Adha
- Thursday 29 June - Eid Al Adha
- Friday 30 June - Eid Al Adha
- Monday 17 July- Islamic New Year (In lieu)
- Monday 04 December - UAE National Day
- Monday 25 December - Christmas Day (In lieu)
- Tuesday 26 December - Boxing Day (In lieu)
- Wednesday 27 December - Additional Holiday
