Qatar’s Emir Set For 2-Day State Visit To The UK, Strengthening Gulf-Britain Ties

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is set to arrive in Britain on Monday for a two-day state visit, hosted by King Charles. The Emir, accompanied by an official delegation including Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit, which starts on Tuesday.

This state visit comes as the Labour government, in power since July, looks to strengthen ties with wealthy Gulf nations, seeking investment for key infrastructure projects, including initiatives in clean energy. Starmer is also eager to finalize long-standing negotiations for a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. According to the UK’s Business and Trade Department, a free trade deal with the GCC could contribute an estimated £1.6 billion ($2.03 billion) to the UK economy in the long term.

Qatar has significant investments in the UK, with its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, holding stakes in major companies like Barclays, Sainsbury’s, and Canary Wharf. Sheikh Tamim has visited Britain eight times between 2014 and 2023, with the most recent meeting occurring at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in December of last year.

During the visit, the Emir will be welcomed by Prince William and Princess Kate before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Horse Guards Parade. The agenda includes a carriage procession, a visit to Westminster Abbey, and a state banquet before the Emir departs on Wednesday evening. Starmer, in turn, is scheduled to visit the Gulf later this month to continue building on these diplomatic and economic ties.