Abu Dhabi strengthens investment ties with United Kingdom through landmark London engagement

A comprehensive delegation from Abu Dhabi's leading economic institutions concluded a series of high-level engagements in London, advancing commercial partnerships and opening new avenues for business expansion across priority sectors ranging from financial services to advanced technology and healthcare.

From 13 to 15 October, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Abu Dhabi Global Market orchestrated a series of strategic encounters with investors, financial institutions and enterprises across the United Kingdom. The initiative brought together the Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Customs and other key entities to explore commercial opportunities and support international business expansion.

The centrepiece of the visit was the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum, convened in London on 15 October. The gathering assembled senior government, business and investment leaders from both markets to advance commercial partnerships and examine opportunities across priority sectors. Mubadala, KEZAD Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank and HSBC participated alongside the Department of Energy, with discussions encompassing financial services, advanced technology and manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, mobility, agrifood, energy, logistics and trade.

Economic Vision and Global Position

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, observed that Abu Dhabi occupies an increasingly influential role in the global economy, supported by robust institutions, substantial long-term capital and an economic environment characterised by certainty, competitiveness and operational efficiency. “Our international engagement is driven by a clear economic priority: to connect global capital and enterprise with opportunities in Abu Dhabi, while enabling our businesses to access new markets, establish strategic partnerships and expand their international presence,” he said. “Our measure of success is not the number of engagements, but the economic value they generate.”

Forum discussions examined Abu Dhabi’s position within global capital flows and the role of infrastructure, urban development and public-private collaboration in supporting sustained economic growth. Speakers included His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Lord Mervyn Davies, Co-Chair of the UK-UAE Business Council, alongside senior representatives from Abu Dhabi’s financial, business and development sectors.

Recognition of Customs Innovation

The London visit marked a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi Customs’ digital transformation journey, with the authority receiving the prestigious Border Innovation Award at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s 2026 International Trade Awards. The honour recognised its pioneering TradeChain platform, a blockchain-enabled solution that facilitates secure, trusted information exchange and enhances customs efficiency and transparency whilst supporting seamless cross-border trade. Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, presented the award to Obaid Musallem Al Ameri, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs.

Chamber and Family Business Initiatives

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered its Global Executive Connect programme on 14 October, facilitating connections between Abu Dhabi companies and senior executives across a network of 44 British and international businesses and institutions. The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council held parallel meetings with international family businesses and groups to strengthen relationships and explore collaboration opportunities. Together, these initiatives produced 56 targeted business meetings aligned with participants’ commercial and investment priorities, spanning financial services, energy, manufacturing, technology and healthcare.

The Chamber and Council will continue to pursue opportunities identified through these engagements, facilitating long-term partnerships and supporting the international expansion of Abu Dhabi enterprises.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office

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