In partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Government, the
UK Government's GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign is
holding a major business, tourism and cultural expo in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia on 14 and 15 May 2024.
The flagship event will host around 750 delegates for a two-day
exposition in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
The Deputy Prime Minister, , will spearhead a 300+ strong
British delegation which will showcase the best of UK excellence
and innovation.
GREAT FUTURES flagship event is the launch for a 12-month
campaign to highlight UK expertise and capability in sectors that
support Saudi Arabia's ‘Vision 2030'.
Vision 2030 is the Saudi government's strategy to diversify the
economy, boost productivity, and strengthen competitiveness. Its
flagship programme, including five lead ‘giga projects', will
attract $3trn investment by 2030 to build the industries of the
future, while also serving as a showcase of the nation's
geographical richness, cultural heritage, hospitality, business
dynamism, and commitment to social inclusion, and environmental
sustainability.
The UK has advanced specialist expertise in these industries and
its delegation will include senior business leaders from across
the UK which represent key sectors including tourism, education,
clean tech, trade, insurance, fashion, architecture, sport and
culture.
Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, commented:
“GREAT FUTURES will be an important opportunity to forge
partnerships for the future between the UK's most creative and
innovative companies and their Saudi business and Government
counterparts.
“I'm delighted to be leading such a talented delegation to this
landmark event. From emerging technologies to academia the UK has
an exceptional skill base to share with the world.
“Our two nations work closely on security and energy. We look
forward to strengthening those connections in new areas that feed
the Vision 2030 agenda.”
The UK and Saudi Arabia have a deep historic relationship, based
on a long history of working together diplomatically and strong
economic and commercial links.
The event will focus primarily on two areas of collaboration
between the UK and Saudi Arabia -
- Innovation in research collaboration, disruptive
technologies, emerging clean tech, finance and sustainable
construction
- Quality of Life sectors, encompassing art, fashion, media,
education, sport, architecture and tourism.
The government is ensuring that businesses can seize the
opportunities of Brexit, which is why we're doing trade deals
around the world. Since the PM has been in office, we've joined
the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
Partnership, and since leaving the EU, have secured trade deals
with 73 countries plus the EU, accounting for £1.1 trillion of
trade in 2022, and 7 US state-level MOUs, with a combined GDP of
£3.3 trillion – just under the GDP of Germany.
Minister of Commerce for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid bin
Abdullah Al Kassabi, commented:
“Saudi Arabia is very proud to be hosting this major event and
bringing together leading minds in business, academia and
entertainment from both of our nations.
“This event heralds the beginning of an extended and productive
partnership focused on innovation, technology and our flourishing
cultural sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the UK
Government and the private sector to realise the ambitions of
Vision 2030.”
Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade,
Lord Johnson, added:
“The UK has a thriving trade and investment relationship with
Saudi Arabia, and this campaign will strengthen those ties
further.
“There are huge opportunities for businesses in both countries as
we look to work closer together in important sectors such as
innovation and creative industries. I look forward to showcasing
the best of British innovation and creativity on a global stage.”
