UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to deepen economic and defense ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on his first Gulf visit

UK PM Starmer is on his first Gulf tour and wants to forge closer ties with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first journey to the Gulf since assuming office in July when he embarks on a multi-day tour on Sunday. Enhancing commercial, defense, and security relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two important partners, is the goal of the visit.

Arriving in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Starmer will meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday. He will go to Saudi Arabia later that day to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A truce between Israel and Gaza, the release of hostages, and the quickening of humanitarian supplies to Gaza are among the topics that are anticipated to be discussed as they relate to investment prospects and regional stability. 

With the intention of luring Gulf investment to upgrade Britain’s infrastructure and promote sustainable energy projects, Starmer said, “There is huge untapped potential in this region.” The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free commerce Agreement has the potential to increase bilateral commerce by 16% and add £8.6 billion yearly over time, therefore he also emphasized the need of making progress on it. 

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates already have substantial commerce with the United Kingdom, at £17 billion and £23 billion, respectively. In order to further free trade talks with the GCC, which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, British trade ministers traveled to the Gulf in September. 

Tuesday, after his trip to the Gulf, Starmer will go to Cyprus for a historic meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. This is the first time in more than 50 years that a British prime minister has visited the Commonwealth country bilaterally, with the goal of strengthening cooperation on regional security issues.