Businesses in clean energy and agri-tech, food and drink, and
technology are part of a trade and investment mission to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Deputy First Minister is undertaking four days of
engagements in UAE marking Scotland Week UAE, meeting senior
government ministers and major investors to open doors for
Scottish businesses.
The visit aims to grow inward investment and follows the launch
of the Invest Scotland portal which showcases significant capital
investment opportunities to global investors.
Deputy First Minister said:
“Scotland Week UAE is about creating real opportunities for
Scottish businesses to grow and trade internationally, while
attracting investment that will create jobs and prosperity at
home.
“In the face of global economic uncertainty and barriers to
trade, including recent USA tariff threats and Scotland's removal
from the European Single Market, we are looking to strengthen
relationships with new and emerging markets.
“The successful Investopia Global investment event in
Edinburgh in December built momentum for deeper collaboration
with UAE partners and Scotland Week UAE will show Scotland is
open for business.
“We share strong ambitions with the UAE in clean energy, science
and technology and innovation. Scotland exported £548 million in
goods to the UAE in 2023 and there is huge potential for
partnership in sectors such as critical tech, food and
drink and research.”
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.
The Deputy First Minister's last trade visit to UAE was in April
2025, marking the first UAE Scotland Week.
