UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as part of a trip aimed at strengthening trade ties in the Gulf. He was received by Yousif Alobaidli, director general of the mosque, who showed him round the site.
Having flown to the UAE on Sunday, he is expected to attend talks today. He will then travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
No 10 Downing Street hopes the visit will help consolidate partnerships focused on “driving high-quality growth”, with UAE investment in the UK valued at £23 billion ($28 million). British trade with Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is thought to be worth £17 billion.
“Driving long-term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad,” Mr Starmer said. “That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high-quality growth, boosting opportunities and delivering for the people at home.”
Mr Starmer and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim last week agreed on a long-term green energy partnership, pledges to deepen defence and security ties, and discussed the importance of regional stability.
The British Prime Minister is expected to travel to Cyprus on Monday night, where he will meet President Nikos Christodoulides in the capital Nicosia on Tuesday, before meeting British troops on the Mediterranean island who are deployed over Christmas.