The United Kingdom is actively seeking to enhance business opportunities for British firms in Dubai and the wider UAE, particularly in the aviation, hospitality, and financial services sectors. Sarah Mooney, the UK trade commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan as well as the British Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, emphasized that Britain is “very keen” to secure these business ventures.

Mooney noted that a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), which includes the UAE, could unlock approximately $20 billion in trade. The UAE currently stands as the UK’s sixth-largest trading partner globally, highlighting the importance of this relationship.

During a recent event organized by the British Business Group Dubai in London, Mooney expressed optimism about partnering with Dubai in its growth story. She pointed out that the planned $35 billion expansion of Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport could create significant opportunities for UK companies in areas such as design and financial services.

“There is massive opportunity there in design, in financial services, in supporting this development,” Mooney remarked. She also highlighted the growth of Dubai’s hospitality sector and projects in neighboring emirates, such as the Wynn casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which present further avenues for collaboration.

According to Mooney, the UAE’s initiatives in advanced manufacturing, defense, artificial intelligence, and data centers align well with British industry strengths. She noted that there is a strong desire from the UAE for partnership with countries like the UK to leverage their expertise.

Moreover, there is increasing demand for British universities to aid in education reforms and support the Emiratisation efforts, a policy aimed at increasing the employment of Emirati nationals in the private sector. Mooney expressed her hope that a long-delayed UK free trade agreement with the GCC could be finalized this year, stating, “I’m really keen that we get a high-quality GCC FTA across the line to encourage British companies to explore this market.”

The GCC, comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, represents a combined economy of around $2 trillion, making it a significant player in global trade discussions.