Prime Highlight
- The UAE and Scotland have signed a new MoU to strengthen investment ties, economic collaboration, and sustainable growth.
- The agreement focuses on promoting capital, technology, and expertise exchange while supporting public-private partnerships.
Key Facts
- The MoU was signed by Mohammad Abdulrahman Al-Hawi, UAE undersecretary, and Kate Forbes, Scotland’s deputy first minister.
- Both countries plan joint initiatives, including investment forums, trade missions, and knowledge-sharing programs throughout 2026.
Background
The United Arab Emirates and Scotland have signed a new agreement to strengthen bilateral investment and economic cooperation, taking an important step to strengthen ties between their economies.
The UAE’s Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a clear framework that encourages and supports investment between the two countries. The agreement aims to improve coordination between government bodies, investment agencies and private sector stakeholders in both regions.
Mohammad Abdulrahman Al-Hawi, undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, and Kate Forbes, Scotland’s deputy first minister, signed the MoU. Al-Hawi said the partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to building long-term relationships with global economies and turning dialogue into real economic outcomes. He added that the agreement strengthens the ongoing cooperation and shared goals between the UAE and Scotland.
The partnership will focus on encouraging the exchange of capital, technology, and expertise, with the goal of supporting economic diversification and sustainable growth. Key areas of cooperation include sharing information on investment rules, finding opportunities in specific sectors, and supporting public-private partnerships.
Both sides will also strengthen business engagement by hosting investment forums, exhibitions, and trade missions. The agreement builds on the success of the Investopia Global Edinburgh event held in December and includes plans for several joint activities throughout 2026. A larger Investopia Global event is also planned in Scotland later this year.
Forbes said the MoU strengthens Scotland’s economic engagement with the UAE by aligning priorities and supporting closer private sector collaboration. She noted that the agreement creates a strong foundation for future-focused and resilient economic ties.
The MoU encourages both sides to share knowledge and build skills through training programs and institutional partnerships. Focal points from each side will lead the implementation and manage future work plans.
