United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland are exploring opportunities for the latest collaborations between the two countries in high-growth sectors such as food production, clean energy, and advanced technology.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, held a virtual meeting with Neil Gray, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work & Energy, to review the progress in the areas of promise
The two officials discussed the Ministry of Economy’s NextGenFDI programme, and the market-access benefits it could lend to pioneering Scottish companies in fields such as robotics and fintech.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi affirmed the UAE’s commitment to accelerating business opportunities and joint ventures. He underscored areas of mutual benefit including Scotland’s advanced manufacturing and space science sectors.
Dr Al Zeyoudi also shared the latest updates on the UAE’s preparations ahead of COP28 in November this year and the avenues for cooperation it can offer enterprises operating in the green economy.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: “It is clear there is ample scope for further growth in bilateral trade and investments. Through renewable energy company Masdar, the UAE has already collaborated on important projects in Scotland such as Hywind offshore wind farm. And, as our demand for renewable energy grows, these partnerships will deepen and expand. Scotland’s economy is proving to be agile and forward-thinking. I look forward to more exciting collaborations in the years ahead.”
Non-oil foreign trade between the UAE and Scotland exceeded US$870 million in 2022, enjoying a growth rate of 70 per cent compared to 2021. In the same year, Scotland accounted for almost 9 per cent of the UK’s total exports to the UAE and 5 per cent of the UK’s total imports from the UAE.
This meeting is the latest in a series of engagements Dr. Al Zeyoudi has conducted with Scottish ministers and government officials over the past year. Al Zeyoudi recently held a video conference with Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee, and led a UAE delegation to Scotland in December to discuss renewable energy projects amongst other areas of cooperation. During the visit, a joint working team was established to ensure the continuity of agreed initiatives in areas of mutual interest such as clean energy, technology, food security, and industrial projects.
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