HE Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK

The UAE is making concerted efforts to attract global talent, business and investment to build back from the impact of COVID-19, which caused the UAE’s economy to contract by a record 6.1 per cent in 2020. In April, the UAE cabinet approved the adoption of a ‘Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention’, which aims to strengthen the country’s position as a preferred destination for living, working and investing. The move follows an 8.4 per cent drop in Dubai’s expatriate population during the pandemic.

These efforts come amid growing competition in the region, with the Gulf’s largest economy, Saudi Arabia, introducing new incentives for foreign businesses to establish operations there through its ‘Programme HQ’.

Against this backdrop, Asia House will welcome the UAE Ambassador to the UK, HE Mansoor Abulhoul, to brief Corporate Members on the steps being taken to make the UAE a more attractive destination for foreign businesses, streamline its economy, and spark a recovery as the UAE celebrates its golden jubilee.

In this off-the-record digital briefing, convened as part of the Asia House Middle East Programme, Ambassador Abulhoul will discuss the current initiatives – some of which represent significant policy shifts – and reflect on the trade and investment relationship between the UK and the UAE.

Ambassador Abulhoul was appointed to his UK post in June 2019, with a brief to enhance bilateral relations with the UK, particularly following its exit from the European Union.

This briefing is held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. To register interest in joining the briefing, please email Freddie Neve, Middle East Associate: freddie.neve@asiahouse.co.uk

Find out more about Corporate Membership at Asia House.