British PM Starmer to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE to boost investment

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates next month, a source said Wednesday, briefed on the plans, as Britain seeks to deepen ties with the wealthy Gulf states. A visit to the UAE. Both because travel plans have not been officially announced. Starmer’s office declined to comment. Sources said Britain hopes to attract investment from Gulf states., including in the UAE’s energy projects. Starmer is also expected to discuss regional issues, including the conflict in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon. Starmer’s government has sought to mend relations with the United Arab Emirates that were strained under the previous Conservative government, in part due to the opposition of some Conservative parliamentarians to Emirati investment in the UK. Such as the United Arab Emirates-linked bid to buy the Telegraph newspaperWhich ultimately failed. Starmer’s visit was first reported on Wednesday by the Financial Times, citing people familiar with his plans. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may visit London next year, but his travel plans have yet to be finalized, the newspaper said. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will visit the UK from December 3 to 4. They will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham PalaceThe UK’s Department of Business and Trade estimates that a free trade agreement with the GCC could boost the UK economy by 1.6 billion pounds ($2.10 billion) in the long term.