The UAE–UK Business Council is reinforcing its role as a key platform for strengthening economic and commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Bringing together senior business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and government representatives, the council works to identify opportunities, address barriers to trade and encourage investment between the two markets.
The council is co-chaired by Lord Udny-Lister and H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, while its Joint Secretariat is led by Bradley Jones. Its work covers major areas of mutual interest, including energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, artificial intelligence, healthcare, skills and investment.
The organisation’s activities come as bilateral economic relations continue to expand. UK–UAE bilateral trade now exceeds £25 billion annually, while the UAE–UK Sovereign Investment Partnership has committed nearly £30 billion across more than 50 direct investments, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recent initiatives have also focused on developing skills and qualifications. In April 2026, the council launched a report examining opportunities for greater cooperation in skills, vocational education and assessment, with recommendations aimed at building more adaptable workforces and improving recognition of qualifications between the two countries.
With a strengthened leadership structure and an expanding programme of collaboration, the UAE–UK Business Council is positioned to support the next phase of the bilateral partnership. Its focus on innovation, investment and workforce development reflects the growing importance of deeper business links between the UAE and UK, while creating new opportunities for companies and professionals in both markets and support shared long-term economic growth.
