Lord Mayor Of London To Visit UAE To Boost Finance Ties

The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow, will be visiting the UAE from January 24-26 to promote bilateral ties, specifically pertaining to the UK’s financial and professional services sector, it was announced on Thursday.

The visit to the Emirates forms part of a wider 12-day visit to the Gulf from January 16 – 28.

Lord Mayor Yarrow will visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he will be meeting members of the ruling families, senior government officials, the Central Bank governor, investment authorities and senior business leaders, a statement said.

Acting as ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services, he will be joined by a business delegation from the UK which includes senior representatives from investment banks, asset managers, insurers and law firms.

Lord Mayor Yarrow said: “Bilateral relations between the UAE and the UK have never been stronger. As the country looks to diversify their economy, the UK stands ready and willing to support the UAE with their ambitious plans.

“Our financial and professional services firms across the UK have a wealth of expertise and experience in a wide range of financing options which can help the two-way flow of capital.

“I hope that this closer economic relationship means that the UK remains the partner of choice for the UAE on the global financial stage.”

During his trip, the Lord Mayor will also give a speech at an Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales event and an address at Cass Business School.

The UK and the UAE enjoy strong economic ties, with the Emirates serving as Britain’s largest civil export market in the Middle East.

The two governments have also committed to increase bilateral trade to £12 billion (around $18 billion) by 2015.