Barbados' 60th Anniversary of Independence · 5th Republic Day
Narratives of Memory, Identity & Belonging
Background & Rationale
November 30th 2026 is the 60th Anniversary of Barbados' Independence and its 5th Anniversary as a Republic. This commemorative programme showcases the island's rich, resilient heritage as a dynamic, creative large-ocean state proactively charting its future in the world.
Drawing on Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite's idea of the ocean as an archive, Saltwater Stories nurtures meaningful exchanges between Barbados and the UAE, highlighting shared values of artistry, cultural appreciation, heritage preservation, innovation, sustainability and global collaboration.
By activating multiple cultural and creative spaces across the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, the programme engages diverse audiences through immersive experiences in art, performance, technology, innovation, environmental sustainability, craft and cuisine.
As global temperatures soar, water-scarce nations depend increasingly on the sea. Renewable energy, water sustainability and potability, food security, and the roles of art, culture and emerging tech are becoming especially critical.
The ocean is an archive: of memory, of identity, of belonging.
After an idea of Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite
Key Objectives
Produce activities on the UAE's global stage that commemorate Barbados' 60th Anniversary of Independence and 5th year as a Republic.
Discover and tell, through art, creativity, sustainability and innovation, stories of belonging that transcend gender, race, ethnicity, religion and national identity.
Showcase Barbadian and Caribbean cultural heritage, evolving identity and contemporary creativity through art, music, cuisine, performance, technology and innovation.
Strengthen cultural diplomacy and bilateral relations between Barbados and the UAE.
Create opportunities for Barbadian artists, cultural practitioners and innovators to engage global audiences with their artistry and, in return, receive measurable value.
The Programme
From a contemporary art installation in Dubai's creative heart to an evening of culture, cuisine and craft on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Designed by Barbadian artist Russell Watson, this installation at Alserkal Avenue explores themes of memory, identity and transformation through the translucent lens of the oceans, connecting across geographies and generations.
Discover
Festivities continue at the Corniche with Barbadian and Caribbean culture, cuisine, drinks and music, plus evening pop-up displays of traditional and contemporary Barbadian and Emirati jewellery, artist-led exchanges and hands-on creation.
Discover
Experience One · Dubai
A mixed media, immersive installation that positions Barbadian contemporary art in a global arts hub, accompanied by Saltwater Stories panels.
Featured Barbadian artist Russell Watson and storytellers, the Barbadian and Caribbean Diasporas, diplomats, partners, Friends of Barbados, creatives, the public and media.
Mixed media and immersive elements that engage audiences through spatial storytelling.
Featured guests discussing art, emerging technologies, innovation, culture, identity and sustainability, tied to creativity, the oceans, water and food security, renewable energy and the circular economy.
Experience Two · Abu Dhabi
Intimate displays of the Saltwater Stories Bajan-Emirati Jewellery Collection, with artist-led discussions and hands-on exploration of jewellery as adornment and cultural expression. Artwork for sale.
Traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques meet participant-led creation of wearable pieces inspired by Barbadian and Emirati stories, emphasising knowledge exchange and the transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
Who: Barbadian and Emirati artists, Emirati fashionistas, the diplomatic corps, partners, Friends of Barbados, creatives, the wider public and media.
Experience Two · Abu Dhabi
November 21 · Radisson Blu, Corniche, Abu Dhabi. A multisensory cultural showcase and immersive Barbadian experience inspired by curated Saltwater Stories.
Music, dance and the Wear-Your-Art Jewellery Showcase, reflecting Barbadian traditions and contemporary art forms.
Tastings and demonstrations of Barbadian cuisine, drinks, mocktails and cocktails, highlighting national dishes and culinary heritage.
Interactive sessions featuring traditional skills like jewellery-making.
An informational booth from Invest Barbados, Export Barbados and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Exhibitions presenting Barbados' history, independence journey and cultural evolution.
Who: Barbadian and Emirati dignitaries, the Barbadian and Caribbean Diaspora, the diplomatic corps, partners, Friends of Barbados, creatives, investors, the wider public and media.
The Saltwater Stories Awards
Recognising leaders whose vision, enterprise and investment strengthen the bonds between Barbados and the United Arab Emirates.
Saltwater Stories
For Pioneering Leadership Across Many Sectors
H.E. Dr. Gabriel Abed
Former Ambassador of Barbados to the United Arab Emirates
Saltwater Stories
For Entrepreneurship
Mr. Oweis Zahran
Founder & Chairman, OWS Holding
Saltwater Stories
EarlyHealth Group
Dr. Dan A. Renout
Chief Executive Officer
Curatorial Approach
Saltwater Stories brings Barbados' 60th Anniversary of Independence celebrations to the UAE through a carefully curated perspective.
Saltwater Stories Podcast
Conversations on memory, identity and belonging between Barbados and the UAE: art, innovation, sustainability and the people shaping a large-ocean state at sixty.
Video episodeSeason 1 · Trailer · 6 October 2026 · 3 min
A first glimpse of Saltwater Stories: the people, journeys and ocean-borne connections between Barbados and the United Arab Emirates at the heart of Barbados' 60th Anniversary of Independence. Full episodes arrive this November.
Who it is for
Why it matters
Presented by
In partnership with
