Scottish businesses will pursue new export opportunities and
investment support during a three-day trade initiative taking
place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month.
UAE Scotland Week aims to connect Scottish companies with
investors and partners across renewable energy, advanced
manufacturing, cyber security, agritech and food and drink
sectors.
Deputy First Minister will lead a series of
engagements in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, meeting UAE government
representatives, businesses and universities to strengthen
economic ties and secure investment in Scottish companies and
world-class universities.
Scotland's expertise in renewable energy directly supports the
UAE's goals for decarbonisation, whilst Scottish capabilities in
space technology align with UAE priorities, evidenced by this
week's Letter of Intent signed between Space Scotland and the
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Announcing Scotland Week at today's Investopia Global investment
event in Edinburgh, the Deputy First Minister said:
“UAE Scotland Week will be a further opportunity to strengthen
our connections with the UAE across innovation, trade and
investment.
“The Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum in March and today's
Investopia Global meeting are further evidence of the worldwide
interest in Scotland's potential. Our renewable energy, life
sciences and our space sectors are all attracting international
investment, while our skilled workforce and research capabilities
are seeing global companies to locate operations here.
“Scotland is open for business and there is more to come as we
grow a sustainable, forward-looking economy.”
H.E. Mohammad Abdrulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE
Ministry of Investment, said:
"Through sustained engagement, such as today's Investopia and the
upcoming UAE Scotland Week, we reaffirm our commitment to
deepening collaboration and investment between the UAE and
Scotland, building on strong existing foundations. As economies
with many shared characteristics, there are significant synergies
to unlock. For Scottish companies operating across future-focused
sectors, including renewable energy, advanced industries, fintech
and logistics, the UAE offers a competitive platform from which
to scale, providing stability, a dynamic business ecosystem, and
seamless access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets."
Background
UAE Scotland Week takes place from 27 to 29 January 2026 and has
been developed by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise
and the UAE's Ministry of Economy. It follows the Deputy First
Minister's trade visit to the UAE in April to mark the first UAE
Scotland Week.
Investopia Global is a UAE-led international investment
initiative. Investopia Global, held in Scotland for the first
time, took place in Edinburgh on 17 December 2025. It was a
direct result of the Deputy First Minister's visit to Dubai
earlier this year.
The UAE was Scotland's 16th largest export destination in 2023,
with exports worth £635 million.
