As their last engagement of the Official Visit to the United Arab Emirates, President George Vella and Mrs Miriam Vella met the Maltese diaspora in Dubai.

The President encouraged the Maltese community to ensure that at their workplace, during their free time and in the way they behave around other people, they convey not only their values as individuals, but also those of Malta as their homeland.

"My appeal to you is to do your utmost to ensure that the name of Malta continues to be mentioned with the greatest respect both with your representatives and colleagues as well as with your friends from around the world", said President Vella.

An estimated 800 Maltese nationals live in the United Arab Emirates. The President remarked that as the numbers of Maltese nationals in the United Arab Emirates started to increase, the trend of emigration from Malta began to change. The reasons and circumstances that led them here are very different from those that forced hundreds to seek a better life, especially after the First and Second World Wars. "Many of you have found very attractive professional opportunities in modern and dynamic fields such as aviation, administration, information technology, financial services and hospitality, to name just a few. One can say that you are also a young community and so we are used to associating a certain energy and motivation to your presence in this country", added the President.

In his address, the President encouraged the Maltese community in the United Arab Emirates not to abandon the Maltese language, especially when communicating with their children, even though they rarely use it at work. He also expressed his wish that some of the Maltese nationals in United Arab Emirates, if not all, will eventually return to Malta where the people of Malta and Gozo will be able to enjoy the experiences and professionalism they have acquired throughout these years away from our shores.