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Why British business leaders are flocking to Middle East

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British businesses are increasingly eyeing the Middle East as a top investment hotspot, with interest in the region multiplying in recent years, new research has revealed.

A study by Pagefield found that more than a third (36 per cent) of UK business leaders now view the region as a key investment hub for the next five years — a huge leap from just 18 per cent who had previously put money into Middle Eastern markets.

Meanwhile, Asia is also emerging as a top contender, with interest jumping from 22 per cent to 32 per cent, as UK firms seek to expand their global footprint.

UAE is a Prime Destination

Among the Gulf nations, the UAE has become a prime destination for high-networth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) looking for better economic opportunities, a higher quality of life, and secure wealth management. This trend is especially evident in the growing number of wealthy individuals leaving the UK for the UAE, drawn by its tax-friendly policies and luxury lifestyle.

Europe Still Leads as US Faces Uncertainty

Despite the rising interest in new markets, Europe remains the UK’s top overseas investment priority, with 55 per cent of businesses still focused on the continent.

Investment in the United States, however, remains steady, with 42 per cent of firms currently investing there compared to 45 per cent looking to do so in the future. But looming uncertainty over new trade tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration could put future deals at risk.

Experts Weigh In

Christopher Clark, Partner at Pagefield, said: “The data shows a clear shift in UK businesses’ global outlook. While Europe remains crucial, the soaring interest in the Middle East and Asia highlights a growing appetite for fresh, high-potential markets.”

Businesses are now looking beyond traditional hubs, seeking opportunities in regions with booming economies and strategic advantages.

Calls for Government Action

The report also reveals growing frustration among business leaders, with 83 per cent of UK firms urging the government to do more to support international expansion.

Among their top demands? Nearly a third (31 per cent) believe that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are the single most important tool to help British companies thrive abroad.

Despite economic and political challenges, UK businesses remain optimistic about investing abroad. Around 91 per cent of firms support Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), putting them ahead of US companies with bigger international investments over the past year. This shows strong confidence in global growth despite uncertain times.

(Source: Zawya, Forbes)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

UAE denies claims of restrictions on investor funds, reaffirms open economy policy

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The UAE has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media that suggest restrictions on investor funds, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading.

Officials clarified that there are no limits on the movement of capital or on foreign investors’ ability to manage and transfer their money. Authorities stressed that the country remains committed to maintaining an open, business-friendly environment aligned with international standards.

Commitment to investor confidence

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism reiterated that the UAE continues to support the free flow of capital, a key pillar in attracting global investment and ensuring long-term economic stability.

Officials emphasised that policies remain unchanged, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable and transparent destination for businesses and investors.

Dubai reaffirms its position

In a statement shared on X, the Dubai Media Office also rejected the circulating claims, describing them as false. It highlighted that Dubai continues to stand as a leading global hub for business and investment, supported by a strong and resilient economy.

Call for accurate information

Authorities have urged the public and media outlets to rely on official sources when seeking information, warning against the spread of unverified claims online.

The clarification comes as the UAE contåinues to strengthen its position as a global financial and investment centre, built on openness, stability, and investor confidence.

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How UAE’s new banking plan will support businesses and individuals

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The Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out a new financial support package designed to keep banks strong and ensure they continue supporting and safeguarding the broader economy amid global and regional uncertainty.

The package was endorsed during a high-level board meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE leadership’s proactive approach to maintaining economic stability.

Built around five key pillars, the initiative is designed to provide banks with greater liquidity, enhanced flexibility, and temporary regulatory relief, ensuring they can continue to support businesses and individuals during uncertain times.

Under the new measures, banks will gain expanded access to liquidity, including the ability to utilise reserve balances and secure term funding in both dirhams and US dollars. This step is expected to keep credit flowing across key sectors of the economy.

The Central Bank has also introduced temporary easing of liquidity and funding requirements, giving financial institutions more room to continue lending. Capital buffer requirements will be relaxed as well, allowing banks to deploy excess capital to support economic activity.

Additionally, new provisions will offer greater flexibility in managing credit risk, including delaying the classification of certain loans affected by current market conditions—providing relief to borrowers facing temporary challenges.

Authorities emphasised that banks are expected to maintain lending and continue supporting customers as part of the UAE’s broader economic response strategy.

Despite global pressures, the UAE’s financial system has shown strong resilience. During its meeting, the Board confirmed that current market conditions have had no significant impact on the health of the banking sector or the efficiency of payment systems.

The Central Bank also highlighted the country’s robust financial position, with foreign exchange reserves exceeding AED 1 trillion and a strong monetary base. The UAE’s banking sector, valued at over AED 5.4 trillion, continues to demonstrate solid fundamentals.

With liquidity levels remaining high and reserves strong, the CBUAE reaffirmed its readiness to take further action if needed to protect financial stability and sustain economic growth.

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Explained: Dubai’s new law on administrative violations, fines and penalties

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Dubai has introduced a new legal framework governing administrative violations, penalties, and enforcement measures across government entities.

Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (6) of 2026 aims to make enforcement fairer, more transparent, and consistent across the emirate.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what the law means.

What is the purpose of the law?
The law creates a unified framework for handling administrative violations and penalties across Dubai government entities. It is designed to ensure enforcement actions respect fairness, transparency, accountability, and legality while protecting public services and community interests.

How are violations classified?
Administrative violations must now be clearly defined by the competent authority and are classified into three categories:

  • Minor violations
  • Moderate violations
  • Serious violations

This classification helps authorities apply appropriate penalties based on the severity of the offence.

What penalties can authorities impose?
Government entities may apply several administrative measures depending on the violation, including:

  • Warnings to correct the issue
  • Temporary closure of a business (up to six months)
  • Permanent closure of an establishment
  • Cancellation or modification of licences or permits
  • Suspension of projects, activities, or transactions

How will fairness be ensured?
The law requires penalties to be proportionate to the violation and consider factors such as:

  • Whether the violation was intentional or accidental
  • Repeated violations
  • Damage caused
  • Whether the offender took steps to fix the issue early

What are the procedures before penalties are announced?
Authorities must follow strict procedures before publishing violations:

  • Approval from the Director General of the government entity
  • Coordination with the Government of Dubai Media Office for public announcements

When does the law take effect?
The law comes into force immediately after publication in the Official Gazette. Any conflicting provisions in previous laws will be cancelled.
Officials say the law will help standardise enforcement practices across Dubai, prevent misuse of authority, and increase compliance with regulations, ultimately improving governance and protecting public interests.

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