A new partnership between the UK and Qatar aims to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and establish leading climate technology hubs in both countries. This collaboration was announced during the Emir of Qatar’s state visit to the UK.
The agreement was signed at Downing Street when Sheikh Tamim met Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Qatar has committed an initial investment of £1 billion. The partnership will boost cooperation in financial services, particularly in sectors like FinTech and green finance.
Praising the “strong partnership” between the two nations, Mr. Starmer thanked the Emir for Qatar’s efforts in addressing challenges in the Middle East. Sheikh Tamim responded, “We will be discussing details on how to move forward and resolve this crisis.”
Earlier, Sheikh Tamim, who studied at Harrow and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, returned to Sandhurst to inspect Qatari cadets. He was joined by Britain’s Defence Secretary, John Healey. The Emir also received a formal farewell from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
Key Announcements About Green Technology Investment:
- Rolls-Royce will lead programmes to improve energy efficiency, develop sustainable fuels, and reduce carbon emissions.
- Investment will support UK and Qatari start-ups focused on energy efficiency, carbon management, and green power.
- New technology hubs will be set up in both countries to drive innovation in climate-friendly technologies.
Prime Minister Starmer called the partnership a “significant step” in making the UK a leader in clean energy. Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic added, “Lower carbon technologies are central to our strategy, and we are excited to have Qatar as a strategic partner.”
The collaboration will channel funds into start-ups and create job opportunities in the UK and Qatar. The Gulf state has already been a major investor in the UK, owning stakes in Canary Wharf, Barclays, and Heathrow Airport through the Qatar Investment Authority.
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman al Thani, called the partnership “groundbreaking” and praised the UK’s innovation in advanced technology. He noted Qatar’s ongoing relationship with Rolls-Royce, including its role as a key buyer of engines for Qatar Airways and an investor in small modular nuclear reactors.
He stated, “This partnership will create highly skilled jobs in both countries and attract a wide range of businesses to Doha.”
During the state visit, Sheikh Tamim also attended a dinner at Mansion House hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation.
Banquet at Buckingham Palace
The Emir attended a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Other notable attendees included David Beckham, who was an ambassador for Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Guests enjoyed Windsor pheasant wrapped in Savoy cabbage, Cornish lobsters with quail eggs, and Balmoral plum sorbet. A mocktail called “Royal Mirage,” inspired by the Qatari flag, was served, made from smoked pomegranate, ginger, and black lime.
The ballroom was decorated with vivid red flowers like amaryllis and black tulips, all sourced from Windsor Castle grounds. Music was provided by the Hiraeth String Quartet and Welsh harpist Mared Pugh-Evans, featuring songs like Moondance by Van Morrison and pieces from La La Land.
