High-profile investors and experts from the United Kingdom and the Gulf region met virtually on 29 June to explore investment opportunities and discuss ways to boost bilateral trade at the GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021.
With the objective of charting a new era in bilateral trade relations, the GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 is positioned to become the most prestigious forum for businesses and investors from the two regions to connect with each other, exchange ideas and experiences, identify opportunities for investment, and forge strategic partnerships.
The Gulf region accounts for as much as $50.8 billion out of the estimated $57.2 billion annual trade between the UK and the Middle East. By bringing together high-profile investors and experts from the two regions, the GCC-UK Trade Summit set out to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties and catalyze a new era of collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Gulf region.
The virtual summit brought together business leaders from the two regions to discuss opportunities for investment and collaboration
Abdulaziz Almugyteeb, Group CEO of ‘add’, explained: “By bringing together investors and experts from diverse industry sectors on a common platform to discuss opportunities and build new relationships, the GCC-UK Trade Summit aims to lay the groundwork for trade and investment ties between the two regions to be taken to the next level.”
Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Managing Director, Dubai Industrial City, said: “The summit stood out for its powerful presentations and insightful discussions, and I’m positive this event will play an instrumental role in unleashing the region’s investment potential and entrepreneurial energies, opening doors for more foreign direct investment.”
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) commented: “The summit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is hyper-accelerating its development program and radically upgrading and extending its tourism infrastructure in order to give a very qualitative experience to visitors, allowing them to easily get around and enjoy the region.”
“What I find most fascinating is that 89% of young Saudis believe that the country is moving in the right direction, which can only bode well for the social and economic future of the Kingdom”
Aradhana Khowala, CEO and Founder, Aptamind Partners, UK and Chair of the Global Advisory Board, The Red Sea Development Company, KSA, said, “As we speak, the Red Sea Development Company is developing the largest battery storage facility in the world, ahead of Tesla. What I find most fascinating is that 89% of young Saudis believe that the country is moving in the right direction, which can only bode well for the social and economic future of the Kingdom.”
Speaking after his participation in the summit, Khalid Al Zayani OBE, Chairman, Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), said: “The event helped bring to light the untapped business potential of the region, and provided a platform for investors to explore how best to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Bahrain has three main pillars of industry – aluminum, petrochemicals, and iron – and we have been seeing increased engagement with the UK in each of these areas.”
Organized by ‘add’, the GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 hosted a series of power-packed presentations and discussions on subjects that are most relevant to the UK and GCC business communities, delivering key insights through expert speaker panels, case studies, sectoral analysis, high-level conversations, interviews, and networking opportunities.