UAE and Scotland boost investment ties

The UAE Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening investment cooperation and boosting mutual investment flows between the two countries.

The agreement supports the UAE’s broader efforts to build global economic partnerships that advance diversification, sustainable development and long-term, resilient growth.

The MoU was signed by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Under-Secretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes, on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The deal establishes a structured framework for investment promotion and facilitation, enhancing coordination between government bodies, investment agencies, chambers of commerce, business groups and private-sector stakeholders in both markets.

It aims to encourage the flow of capital, technology and expertise while supporting sustainable growth, economic diversification and long-term prosperity in the UAE and Scotland.

Under the agreement, cooperation will focus on sharing information on investment legislation and policies, identifying opportunities across sectors of mutual interest, and facilitating partnerships between public and private entities.

The MoU also promotes closer collaboration between investment promotion agencies, the exchange of best practices to improve the investment climate, and the development of joint ventures and co-investment projects, including among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business engagement is a central pillar of the partnership, with plans for business forums, exhibitions, investment missions and networking events to strengthen links between Emirati and Scottish companies.

This builds on the success of Investopia Global Edinburgh held in December 2025, and includes support for Scottish participation in Investopia Abu Dhabi in March 2026, a series of targeted Investopia Global sessions throughout the year, and a larger-scale Investopia Global event in Scotland later in 2026.

The agreement also places emphasis on knowledge exchange, capacity building and human capital development through training programmes, technical cooperation and institutional partnerships.