UAE–UK Business Council Highlights Economic Resilience

London, The Gulf Observer: The UAE–UK Business Council convened senior government and business leaders from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom for the second in its series of virtual briefings on developments in the Arabian Gulf, highlighting the UAE’s economic resilience, regional supply chain adaptation, investor confidence, and the future of bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The live briefing featured UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy Badr Jafar, and Sarah Mooney, HM Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates and HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. The session was chaired by Bradley Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the UAE–UK Business Council and was attended virtually by hundreds of council members, representatives of the British Chambers of Commerce in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and other stakeholders.

Opening the session, Ambassador Mansoor Abulhoul provided an overview of regional developments since the Council’s previous briefing in April and underscored the strength of the UAE–UK strategic partnership. He noted that the UAE’s commitment to open, rules-based trade and global connectivity had reinforced its standing as one of the world’s most competitive business destinations.

Highlighting the country’s economic performance, Abulhoul said non-oil sectors now account for nearly 80 percent of the UAE’s economy, reflecting strong fundamentals, institutional resilience, and the ability to adapt to evolving global challenges while creating new opportunities for cooperation with trusted partners such as the United Kingdom.

During the discussion, Badr Jafar attributed the UAE’s sustained economic performance to decades of strategic investment in diversification, infrastructure, institutional capacity, and international connectivity. He noted that the country’s non-oil private sector remained in expansion throughout recent regional disruptions, while the UAE recorded real GDP growth of 6.2 percent in 2025.

He emphasised that the UAE’s diversified economy, strong sovereign financial position, substantial foreign currency reserves, and well-capitalised banking system had maintained liquidity and investor confidence, enabling international financial institutions, asset managers, and multinational companies to continue expanding their presence in the country.

Participants also discussed the growing importance of resilient and diversified supply chains, alternative trade corridors, and adaptable infrastructure in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Speakers identified significant opportunities for enhanced UAE–UK collaboration in logistics, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences, financial services, digital infrastructure, food security, and skills development.

The webinar further explored the next phase of the UAE–UK trade and investment relationship, including measures to reduce trade barriers, strengthen investor confidence, and unlock new opportunities across high-growth industries.

Sarah Mooney highlighted the successful conclusion of negotiations on the UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a major milestone that would further strengthen commercial ties between the two markets and create expanded opportunities for businesses on both sides.

Bradley Jones said the briefing came at a pivotal time as businesses sought greater clarity on regional developments and future investment prospects. He noted that the UAE’s resilience continues to provide a strong foundation for advancing bilateral growth and strengthening a trade and investment relationship now valued at more than US$30 billion annually.

The briefing concluded with participants reaffirming the importance of transforming economic resilience into long-term growth through deeper partnerships in innovation, technology, investment, and other strategic sectors expected to drive global economic development over the coming decade.