Herminie’s Dubai Trip: Emirates Deal Restores Flights, But Questions Remain on Failed Gulf War Diplomacy
Victoria, Seychelles – President Patrick Herminie returned from Dubai this week claiming victory after securing the restoration of daily Emirates flights to Seychelles, a move that marks the end of reduced connectivity that critics say should never have been disrupted in the first place.
The announcement, made following meetings with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, restores pre-Gulf war flight frequencies as of May 1, 2026 – nearly full schedule that aviation experts note was only necessary after the government’s apparent diplomatic failures during the regional crisis.
Too Little, Too Late?
While government officials are celebrating the “breakthrough,” industry insiders paint a more sobering picture. Emirates, which has served Seychelles since 2005, accounted for 32% of visitor arrivals in 2025 but only 22% in early 2026 – a dramatic 10-percentage-point drop that translated into lost revenue for hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators across the archipelago.
“The question isn’t whether restoring flights is good – of course it is,” said Marie-Claire Hoareau, an independent aviation analyst. “The question is why our diplomatic channels failed to prevent the disruption in the first place, and how many tourism jobs were lost in the interim.”
The tourism-dependent economy has been under strain, with rising costs and reduced visitor numbers creating pressure on local businesses. The government has yet to release figures on the economic impact of the reduced Emirates service.
Infrastructure Promises – Again
President Herminie also announced that the UAE has “reaffirmed its commitment” to several infrastructure projects, including four desalination plants, the Anse Royale sports complex, and housing development in Grand Anse Mahé.
However, observers note this is not the first time such commitments have been made. The desalination plants, initially announced in 2024, have yet to see significant progress, raising questions about whether these are genuine commitments or diplomatic talking points.
“We’ve heard about these UAE projects for years now,” remarked a Bel Air resident who preferred anonymity. “When will we actually see shovels in the ground? Our water security can’t wait for photo opportunities in Dubai.”
Energy Deal: Opportunity or Desperation?
Perhaps most interesting is the government’s revelation of “preliminary discussions” on direct oil procurement from the UAE following its OPEC withdrawal. While framed as an opportunity for “energy security,” some economic analysts view it as a concerning sign of the government’s scramble to address mounting energy costs.
The administration provided no details on pricing, terms, or timelines, with formal negotiations merely “expected to commence by month’s end.” The lack of transparency has raised eyebrows among opposition figures.
Political Theater?
The presence of National Assembly members Trevor Louise (Bel Air) and Sandra Sultan (Anse Aux Pins), along with Victoria Mayor Josy Michaud-Payet, gave the announcement a carefully staged political appearance. Critics suggest the government is using the Emirates restoration – essentially a return to normal operations – as a PR victory to distract from other challenges facing the nation.
What remains clear is that while the restoration of daily Emirates flights is welcome news for Seychelles’ tourism sector, it merely returns the country to where it was before recent disruptions – hardly the transformational achievement government messaging suggests.
