Source : WAM
The UAE Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral investment cooperation and boosting mutual investment flows between the two countries.
The agreement supports the UAE’s broader strategy to expand global economic partnerships that advance its long-term objectives of economic diversification, sustainable development, and resilient growth.
The MoU was signed by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Under-Secretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, and The Right Honourable Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, representing the Scottish Government.
It establishes a structured framework for collaboration in investment promotion and facilitation, enhancing coordination among government entities, investment promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations, and private sector stakeholders in both the UAE and Scotland.
The partnership seeks to promote the flow of capital, technology, and expertise, while supporting diversification, sustainable economic expansion, and long-term prosperity across both economies.
Under the agreement, cooperation will focus on sharing information related to investment legislation, policies, regulations, and procedures; identifying and promoting investment opportunities in sectors of mutual interest; and facilitating partnerships between public and private sector organisations.
The MoU also encourages closer collaboration between investment promotion agencies, the exchange of best practices to improve the investment environment, and the development of joint ventures and co-investment initiatives, including partnerships involving small and medium-sized enterprises.
Business engagement and investor connectivity are central to the cooperation. Planned activities include business forums, exhibitions, investment missions, and networking events designed to strengthen links between the UAE and Scottish business communities.
The agreement builds on the momentum of Investopia Global Edinburgh, held in December 2025, and supports Scottish company participation in Investopia’s flagship Abu Dhabi event in March 2026. It also includes the delivery of targeted Investopia Global sessions throughout the year and the organisation of a larger-scale Investopia Global event in Scotland in late 2026.
In addition, the MoU promotes knowledge sharing, capacity building, and human capital development through training initiatives, technical collaboration, and institutional partnerships.
Alhawi stated, “This MoU reinforces the Ministry of Investment’s commitment to building lasting and meaningful partnerships with leading global economies. This agreement builds on sustained engagement between the UAE and Scotland across government, businesses and investors, including most recently through Investopia, and reflects our shared ambition to translate dialogue into tangible outcomes. We look forward to deepening this partnership further and creating high-quality investment opportunities that benefit our respective business ecosystems and support long-term, sustainable growth.”
Forbes said, “This MoU marks an important step in deepening Scotland’s economic engagement with the United Arab Emirates. By strengthening channels for investment cooperation, aligning priorities, and supporting our private sector to engage more closely with partners in the UAE, we are creating a stronger platform for collaboration. The agreement lays the groundwork for more diverse, resilient, and future-focused economic ties, enabling businesses in both countries to explore new opportunities and build long-term partnerships in areas of shared strategic interest.”
The MoU will be implemented through designated focal points from both sides, who will oversee cooperation initiatives and agree on future work plans to advance the agreement’s objectives, supported by regular coordination meetings.
