London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will embark on a multi-day visit to the Gulf on Sunday, marking his first trip to the region since assuming office. His visit aims to strengthen economic and defense relations with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Starmer seeks to enhance investment and deepen defense and security collaborations, with the two Middle Eastern nations being described by the UK government as “some of the UK’s most important modern-day partners.” Elected to lead the UK in July, Starmer will first arrive in the UAE on Sunday, where he is scheduled to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday. Later that day, he will head to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Middle East’s stability will be a key focus during his visit, particularly the urgent need for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, the release of hostages, and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to the government statement.
"There is significant untapped potential in this region," Starmer said, noting that he hopes to attract investment from the Gulf states to support his agenda of upgrading Britain’s aging infrastructure and advancing cleaner energy solutions. "I will be advocating for progress on the Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, increasing our research and development collaborations, and partnering on future projects," he added.
The Gulf monarchies are major investors in the UK, with trade between Britain and the UAE valued at £23 billion ($29.3 billion), and trade with Saudi Arabia estimated at £17 billion. British trade ministers visited the region in September to advance talks on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. This agreement could boost bilateral trade by 16% and add £8.6 billion annually in the long term.
Earlier this week, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited the UK for a state visit, where he was welcomed by King Charles and Starmer. The two nations pledged to enhance their investment ties during the visit.
On Tuesday, Starmer will continue his diplomatic trip by visiting Cyprus, where he will meet with President Nikos Christodoulides, marking the first bilateral visit by a British leader to the island in over fifty years. They will discuss closer cooperation on shared regional security challenges.