Ambassador
Ambassador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates
To ensure that our interactions on the global stage serve our national interests, Libya needs a confident and collaborative brand of diplomatic representation committed to building peaceful, stable and mutually beneficial relationships, in accordance with the international norms of diplomacy.
On being invited to take on the role of Ambassador to the UAE, Aref Nayed sought to re-establish effective and appropriate diplomatic relations with one of Libya’s key, international partners.
Such relationships must ultimately be focused on building a Libyan economy that can create jobs, developing strong trade and investment relationships that can raise living standards, improving educational levels, increasing our global competitiveness, rebuilding our national identity, accessing technical expertise to improve government services, and contributing to a just and safe world.
Ambassador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates
To ensure that our interactions on the global stage serve our national interests, Libya needs a confident and collaborative brand of diplomatic representation committed to building peaceful, stable and mutually beneficial relationships, in accordance with the international norms of diplomacy.
On being invited to take on the role of Ambassador to the UAE, Aref Nayed sought to re-establish effective and appropriate diplomatic relations with one of Libya’s key, international partners.
Such relationships must ultimately be focused on building a Libyan economy that can create jobs, developing strong trade and investment relationships that can raise living standards, improving educational levels, increasing our global competitiveness, rebuilding our national identity, accessing technical expertise to improve government services, and contributing to a just and safe world.
In August 2011, Nayed was appointed by the National Transitional Council as Ambassador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates. His appointment was the result of his tireless efforts to rally international political, humanitarian, and logistical support nascent democracy in Libya during the upheavals of 2011.
During his tenure as ambassador, Nayed reestablished a productive working relationship with the Government of the United Arab Emirates. He led the reopening of the Libyan Consulate in Dubai and the Libyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi to serve the diaspora community and enable Libyans to exercise their right to vote.
Libyan diplomatic missions in the UAE have hosted several high level delegations to explore cooperation, expand commercial ties, and promote experience sharing based on a bilateral relationship of mutual respect. Nayed has also introduced a series of cultural, sporting, and social events aimed at rebuilding national identity and enabling the Libyan diaspora to remain involved in the development of their country.
Nayed proved his leadership and diplomatic skills and is widely credited with the original thinking, political courage, and persistence. He has engaged effectively at the political and diplomatic levels with international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), UNSMIL, European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), African Union.
His achievements in rebuilding Libya’s relationships with the international community demonstrated his commitment to asserting Libya’s sovereignty over domestic affairs and Libya’s important role in the international scene.
Aref’s Record Thus Far
As Ambassador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates
- Reopened the Libyan Consulate and Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and reestablished consular services
- Established overseas voting centers to allow Libyans to exercise their right to vote
- Secured international support for the Libya Stabilization Plan and recognition of the National Transitional Council
- Led the National Transitional Council’s international engagement to unfreeze Libyan assets and obtain vital humanitarian assistance
- Engaged the United Nations to establish and implement a plan to help the National Transitional Council restore water supplies to Libyan communities
- Hosted a high-level delegation from the Libyan Ministry of Culture to learn about best practices in cultural preservation, museums management, and cultural tourism
- Hosted former Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Keib and a high-level ministerial delegation
- Hosted a high-level delegation from the Libyan Ministry of Interior
- Hosted a high-level delegation from the Libyan Ministry of Oil and Gas and the General National Congress
- Supported Libyan sports by hosting competitive tournaments, encouraging the attendance of the Libyan community at sporting events which featured Libyan teams, and recognizing the achievements of Libyan athletes
- Facilitated expanded commercial ties between the UAE and Libya such as the establishment of a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Libya on Etihad Airways
- Hosted several cultural events to connect Libyans with their cultural heritage and rebuild Libyan Identity