Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will visit Britain for a two-day state visit starting Tuesday. Hosted by King Charles, the trip includes meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other key figures, aiming to strengthen ties between Britain and Qatar.
Accompanied by an official delegation, including Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Emir’s visit highlights Britain’s push for co-investors in infrastructure projects, particularly clean energy systems. Starmer is also looking to finalize a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a move projected to boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion ($2.03 billion) in the long term.
The Emir will meet Starmer on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street to discuss investment opportunities and trade collaboration. Britain’s Labour government, in power since July, sees this partnership as a step towards deepening economic relations with Gulf states.
Ahead of the bilateral talks, Prince William and Princess Kate will welcome the Emir on Tuesday morning. King Charles and Queen Camilla will then host a formal reception at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a ceremonial carriage procession. The Emir’s itinerary includes a visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet before his departure on Wednesday evening.
Qatar, known for significant UK investments through its sovereign wealth fund, holds stakes in Barclays, Sainsbury’s, and Canary Wharf. This visit, the Emir’s ninth since 2014, underscores ongoing collaboration between the two nations, with both leaders last meeting at COP28 in Dubai in December.
