# Jamaica-Middle East aviation and tourism cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jamaica-middle-east-aviation-and-tourism-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-19T20:25:38.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Jamaica is pursuing economic and aviation partnerships with the Middle East to establish itself as a strategic hub connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region with the Americas. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has held discussions with representatives from Qatar and Etihad Airways to enhance air connectivity.

Furthermore, the Jamaican government is exploring investment opportunities to bolster local tourism infrastructure. Discussions in Riyadh with Saudi Eksab have focused on financing pathways for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), specifically looking at co-investment structures and technical assistance to help local hotels and tour operators modernize.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Dominican Republic employment reaches 5.27 million

The Dominican Republic's employment reached 5.27 million in Q2 2026, with a 2.9% annual increase driven largely by women and a slight reduction in labor informality.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aviation-and-hospitality-sectors-expand-caribbean-connectivity

### 2026-09-15: Jamaica seeks Middle East aviation links and tourism investment

Jamaica is pursuing new aviation links with Middle Eastern carriers and seeking investment from Saudi Eksab to support small tourism enterprises and establish the island as a regional transit hub.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jamaica-seeks-middle-east-tourism-investment-and-air-links

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Cite as: Jamaica-Middle East aviation and tourism cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jamaica-middle-east-aviation-and-tourism-cooperation