ZAWYA-PRESSR: UK–GCC strategic dialogue 2026 gains new momentum under GCC secretariat patronage

About this update from Kuwait Financial Centre Kpsc

London: The Business Year (TBY) today announced significant new developments for its UK–GCC Strategic Dialogue, including formal patronage from the GCC Secretariat and a strengthened coalition of sponsors and institutional partners, as preparations advance for the flagship forum to be held at Guildhall, London, on April 14, 2026.Designed to deepen economic cooperation between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Dialogue brings together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and policymakers to advance practical collaboration across trade, investment, innovation, infrastructure, and the energy transition.GCC Secretariat Patronage and Strategic PartnershipsThe Dialogue is now formally under the patronage of the GCC Secretariat, underscoring the initiative’s role as a key platform for structured engagement between the UK and the Gulf. The program is developed in close partnership with other leading institutions including UK Export Finance (UKEF), the City of London Corporation, Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, TheCityUK, and techUK.These partners will play a central role in shaping the Dialogue’s agenda and ensuring its alignment with ongoing UK–GCC trade negotiations and long-term investment priorities.Growing Community of Confirmed ParticipantsConfirmed speakers and contributors to date include senior figures such as HE Jasem AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General, GCC Secretariat; Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer, UK Export Finance; Dame Sue Langley, Lady Mayor of the City of London; HE Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al-Farouji, Undersecretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, Oman; Ali Khalil, CEO, Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz); Esam AlKheshnam, CEO, KNET; and Nicola Watkinson, Managing Director, International, TheCityUK.These leaders will be joined by additional CEOs, ministers, and senior executives from across the UK and GCC as the program continues to take shape in the coming weeks.Strong Private-Sector SupportThe Dialogue has also secured robust backing from regional and international partners. Confirmed sponsors and partners include Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) as Platinum Sponsor; Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), Zain Group, and Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) as Gold Sponsors; Invest Oman as Silver Sponsor; and KNET as bronze sponsor.Additional...

View stock analysis, news, and events for Kuwait Financial Centre Kpsc