Strengthening UK–Middle East Connections
I’m only a couple of months into my role as Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Middle East Desk, but the opportunities ahead in this dynamic and outward-looking region are already clear.
Irwin Mitchell has long supported clients from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and we’re now seeing growing engagement from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Many of these individuals and families are looking to establish deeper ties with the UK—whether through property investment, business expansion, or sending their children to British schools and universities. Alongside this, recent changes to the UK’s non-dom tax regime have prompted a surge in demand for specialist legal and financial advice, particularly from high-net-worth individuals seeking clarity and confidence in cross-border planning.
Pivotal moment
The timing of my appointment coincides with a pivotal moment in UK–Middle East relations. Total trade between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) exceeds £50 billion annually and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently being negotiated could boost that figure significantly. Government forecasts suggest the FTA could increase UK GDP by up to £3.1 billion and raise bilateral trade by £15.8 billion by 2035.
The agreement aims to go beyond tariff reductions, focusing on smoother business processes, regulatory alignment, and improved mobility for professionals and entrepreneurs.
As Bryan Bletso, our Head of International, has noted, the FTA is expected to support diversification away from traditional energy exports and toward sectors like finance, advanced manufacturing, defence, and technology. We’re already seeing significant inward investment from sovereign wealth funds and private investors into UK real estate, infrastructure, retail, and innovation.
For me, leading the Middle East Desk at Irwin Mitchell is about more than just legal expertise—it’s about building relationships, understanding cultural nuances, and helping clients navigate both opportunity and complexity. The appetite for collaboration is clear, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s helping shape the next chapter of UK–Middle East engagement.
