Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Investment of the United Arab Emirates and the Scottish Government have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral investment cooperation and foster mutual investment flows between the two nations. This agreement represents a significant step in the UAE's ongoing efforts to cultivate global economic partnerships supporting economic diversification, sustainable development, and growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, and The Right Honourable Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, representing the Scottish Government. The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration in investment promotion and facilitation, enhancing coordination between authorities, investment agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations, and private sector stakeholders in both regions.
The partnership aims to promote the exchange of capital, technology, and expertise while supporting economic growth and diversification. Cooperation under the MoU will focus on exchanging information about investment legislation, policies, regulations, and procedures; identifying and promoting investment opportunities across sectors of mutual interest; and facilitating partnerships between public and private sector entities.
The agreement also encourages closer cooperation between investment promotion agencies, sharing best practices to improve the investment climate, and fostering joint ventures and co-investment projects, including collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises. Business engagement and investor connectivity are central to the cooperation, with plans to organize business forums, exhibitions, investment missions, and networking events to strengthen ties between the UAE and Scottish business communities.
This includes building on the success of the Investopia Global Edinburgh event held in December 2025, supporting Scottish company participation in Investopia's flagship event in Abu Dhabi in March 2026, delivering targeted Investopia Global sessions throughout the year, and hosting a larger Investopia Global event in Scotland by late 2026. The MoU also promotes knowledge transfer, capacity building, and human capital development through training programs, technical cooperation, and institutional partnerships.
Alhawi emphasized the Ministry's commitment to forming lasting partnerships with global economies, highlighting the MoU as a continuation of the UAE and Scotland's engagement across various sectors. Forbes commented on the importance of the MoU in strengthening Scotland's economic ties with the UAE, noting that it sets the stage for more diverse and future-oriented economic connections.
Designated focal points from both sides will implement the MoU, overseeing cooperation activities and establishing work plans to achieve the agreement's objectives through regular coordination meetings.