Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister, concluded his extensive overseas trip with a public appeal for a prominent Middle Eastern grocery chain to establish a presence in Australia. This request came during a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a significant cultural landmark, where he was accompanied by his partner, Jodie Haydon. The visit marked the end of an 11-day journey across three nations, during which Albanese also engaged in discussions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE.
Albanese arrived in the UAE on Monday, where he first exchanged insights with Emirati leadership regarding the war in Gaza. Despite facing criticism from opposition parties for participating in the British Labour Party conference in Liverpool, he continued to prioritize international relations. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, opened in 2007, is among the largest in the UAE and can accommodate approximately 7,800 worshippers. Albanese expressed his appreciation for the mosque, stating, “You get the feeling when you are here about the human experience and how humble we are before the glory of God.”
After visiting the mosque, Albanese toured a nearby Lulu Hypermarket, a major retailer in the Middle East, which features a variety of Australian products. The store’s shelves were stocked with familiar items like Tim Tams and Arnott’s Shapes, highlighting the upcoming Australia-UAE free trade agreement. Following a sampling of Australian beef and mangoes, Albanese addressed the pricing of imported Australian goods in the UAE, noting that some products were more affordable there than in Australia.
Standing alongside M. A. Yusuff Ali, the chairman of Lulu Group, Albanese encouraged the expansion of the grocery chain into Australia. “We do need more competition in the Australian supermarket sector,” he remarked, affirming his formal invitation for the company to consider entering the Australian market. Lulu Group operates over 175 supermarkets in the UAE and has a significant presence across the Middle East and Asia.
The Australia-UAE free trade agreement, set to take effect on October 1, 2024, represents Australia’s first trade deal in the Middle East. This agreement, finalized in September 2024, is expected to facilitate nearly all Australian exports to the UAE tariff-free, potentially saving exporters up to $204 million annually.
In his discussions with President Al Nahyan, Albanese expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for immediate action to resolve the conflict. He stated, “We know that you need to deal with the immediate issues of a ceasefire, but it also needs to be done in a way that ends the cycle of violence.” The UAE, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, could play a crucial role in the post-war recovery of Gaza.
Albanese’s involvement in international affairs has drawn scrutiny from opposition leaders. Sussan Ley, the Opposition Leader, criticized his participation in the UK Labour conference, stating that it was “totally unacceptable” for him to deliver a partisan speech on foreign soil. Albanese defended his actions, arguing that engaging with global leaders is in the national interest, especially as he prepares for an upcoming meeting with Donald Trump at the White House.
This recent trip highlights Albanese’s strategy to strengthen Australia’s international ties while addressing domestic economic concerns. As the government navigates challenges related to supermarket pricing and the ongoing Gaza conflict, Albanese’s appeals for greater competition in the grocery sector and his diplomatic engagements reflect a multifaceted approach to leadership on the global stage.
