-Mohammed Al-Ali emphasises the role of think tanks in promoting cooperation and building a better future

-Officials and experts: GCC-UK relations are a key pillar of stability and prosperity in the region

Inside the British Parliament, and coinciding with the UK Prime Minister’s final speech for 2024, TRENDS Research and Advisory organized a symposium in the House of Lords titled “Enhancing Prospects for Gulf-British Cooperation: Opportunities and Future Outlooks.” The symposium was attended by an elite group of British MPs, thinkers, and researchers.

The symposium, co-moderated by Allegra Mostyn Owen, Journalist & Academic (first wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson), and Lady Olga Maitland, President of the think tank Defence and Security Forum in London, discussed several topics related to Gulf-UK relations. Discussions covered multiple areas of current and future cooperation, including joint efforts in combating extremism and promoting regional stability. The symposium also highlighted the distinctive features of the UAE model in politics, economics, culture, dissemination of tolerance, and counter-extremism.

Speakers emphasized the deep historical roots of the relations between the two sides and the importance of building on this foundation to enhance future cooperation. They also explained the diversity and multiplicity of areas of cooperation, ranging from political and diplomatic relations to economic, investment, and cultural cooperation.

They noted the existence of significant opportunities to deepen cooperation between the Gulf countries and the UK in various fields. They called for new initiatives that help build a brighter future for both sides and identified many promising opportunities for cooperation in energy, trade, investment, and technology.

The participants also praised the leading role of the UAE in promoting stability and growth in the region, and called all others to learn from its experience in this regard.

They emphasized the importance of the Abraham Accords as an essential step toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and discussed the possibility of expanding their scope to include other countries.

The symposium started with an opening address by British MP Bambos Charalambous, in which he stressed the importance of Gulf-UK relations and the need for international cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism. He also emphasized the role of technology in these efforts.

The cultural and intellectual dimension

In his welcome address, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized the depth and strength of the relations between the UK and the GCC countries, noting that they extend across various political, economic, military, and cultural domains.

Dr. Al-Ali stressed that these shared relations provide a strong starting point for building a prosperous future for both sides, describing the cultural dimension as one of the most vital pillars of these relations.

Centuries of cooperation

In a similar address, His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ittihad newspaper, said that the relations between the UK and the GCC extend over centuries of commercial and cultural cooperation. He pointed out that these relations have evolved from simple trade links to a dynamic partnership driven by shared goals and mutual prosperity.

He further explained that recent data shows the strength of this economic partnership. In 2024, the UK and GCC countries collectively account for more than 5% of global GDP, with a combined economic output exceeding $5.7 trillion. Bilateral trade between the two sides reached £59 billion, making the Gulf region the UK’s seventh largest export market.

A global model

Sir Liam Fox, former UK Secretary of Defense, underlined the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the UK and the GCC countries. He noted that the British-Gulf relations are built on a rich historical legacy that has developed into a dynamic partnership based on shared interests and mutual prosperity.

Addressing challenges

British politician Lord Ian Austin, Baron Austin of Dudley, emphasized the need to enhance bilateral relations between the Gulf countries and the UK, calling for stronger economic and political partnerships. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to address the global challenges facing the world today. He also discussed the issues of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and emphasized the need to enhance dialogue to confront these phenomena and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Trade and culture

Charlotte Leslie, Director of the Conservative Middle East Council, talked about the vital role of trade and culture in strengthening cooperation among countries, emphasizing that building bridges of communication between people helps achieve sustainable economic and cultural benefits.

Historical roots

In his remarks at the symposium, Senior Researcher Awad Al-Breiki, Head of TRENDS Global Sector, said that the relations between the UK and the GCC countries are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation, moving beyond traditional aspects to include broader and deeper areas.

He pointed out that the historical roots of these relations date back decades and have been significantly strengthened in recent years, thanks to regional and international developments. He added that this partnership is a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region and serves the interests of both sides.

Openness

Dr. Ghassan Ibrahim, CEO of the Global Arab Network, proposed a set of initiatives to strengthen cultural and political communication between the UK and the Arab world. He called for building relationships based on mutual trust and openness.

Education and culture

Nasser Al Ali, a researcher and Head of the Administrative Affairs Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, highlighted the importance of education and culture in strengthening ties between the peoples of the Gulf and the UK.

He pointed to several key areas for cultural cooperation, including cultural and educational exchange programs, cultural festivals and creative industry projects, cultural centers and exhibitions, translation and publishing, literary competitions, cultural tourism, and institutional partnerships.

A Positive environment

In her remarks at the symposium, Elyazia Al-Hosani, Director of Media Department at TRENDS Research & Advisory, talked about the role of the Abraham Accords in fostering international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of activating this model to achieve regional stability, saying that these Accords mark a strategic shift in the region, paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future.

She emphasized that this bold step opens new opportunities for investment and trade and help create a positive environment for resolving conflicts and enhancing dialogue among countries. She further highlighted the importance of the Abraham Accords in shaping new promising features for the Middle East.

The Importance of dialogue

Former British MP Daniel Kawczynski spoke at the symposium, where he emphasized the important role parliaments play in shaping policies and guiding international relations. He said that parliamentary dialogue contributes to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding.

The Abraham Accords

Richard Pater, Director of Israel and Middle East think tank BICOM, stressed the importance of the Abraham Accords in creating a secure future for the Middle East, describing them as an important turning point that would help pave the way for further progress.

Mutual Understanding

David Abrahams, former Vice President of the Royal United Services Institute for Global Diplomatic Affairs, talked about the importance of cultural understanding in establishing successful international relations, saying that dialogue is the key to overcoming shared challenges.

Stability

Tony Shaffer, author and US national security expert, explained the impact of US-Gulf relations on regional stability. He emphasised that UK-Gulf cooperation could present a model for stability in the region.

The Threat of extremism

The symposium concluded with remarks from Afzal Ashraf, who warned about the growing danger of extremist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, which he considers a direct threat to regional stability and security. He also highlighted the critical role of research centers, think tanks, religious establishments, and educational institutions in raising awareness about the danger of extremism and promoting values of tolerance and moderation.