British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month, according to sources familiar with the plans. The trip highlights the UK's efforts to
foster closer relationships with the Gulf states and attract significant investment.
Two separate sources confirmed the UAE leg of the trip, both speaking on condition of anonymity as the plans have not yet been officially announced. The UK government is reportedly targeting investments from the Gulf, with a particular focus on energy projects from the UAE.
During the visit, Starmer is also expected to engage in discussions on regional issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon. This trip marks Starmer’s first visit to the Gulf region since the Labour Party’s victory in the UK general election in July.
The Starmer administration has been working to rebuild ties with the UAE, which were strained during the tenure of the previous Conservative government. The planned visit was initially reported by the Financial Times, which also mentioned that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman might visit London next year, although those plans remain unconfirmed.
In a related development, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is scheduled for a state visit to the UK on December 3 and 4. He will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace. Last week, King Charles also hosted Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa at Windsor Castle.
The UK has been actively engaging with Gulf nations to advance trade relations. British trade ministers visited the region in September to push forward negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. According to the UK’s Business and Trade Department, such a deal could add £1.6 billion ($2.10 billion) to the British economy over the long term. Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.