UK businesses are increasingly turning to the Middle East as a prime investment destination, with interest in the region doubling in recent years, according to new research published today by Pagefield. More than a third (36%) of UK business leaders now see the Middle East as a key investment hub for the next five years—up from just 18% who have previously invested there.
Asia is also emerging as a hotspot, with interest rising from 22% to 32%, as UK firms look to strengthen their global market presence.
Europe remains the top priority, with 55% of UK firms identifying it as their primary overseas investment destination. Investment in the US remains steady (42% current vs. 45% prospective investors), but new trade tariffs under President Trump’s administration pose uncertainty, potentially deterring future deals.
Pagefield’s research—conducted among senior UK and US business leaders—highlights the growing demand for government action to boost British investment overseas. A striking 83% of UK firms say the government must do more to support international expansion, with nearly a third (31%) identifying Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as the single most important mechanism.
This trend aligns with recent movements by prominent UK firms. For instance, Canaccord Wealth, managing GBP 35.2 billion in assets, opened a new office in Dubai’s International Financial Centre as part of its international expansion strategy. CEO David Esfandi noted the Middle East as a significant opportunity aligning with the company’s ambitious growth plans.
Additionally, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is actively pursuing a multi-billion-pound free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This deal, initiated by the previous Conservative government, aims to significantly boost the UK’s economy and enhance its global trade network.
The Middle East’s economic transformation and strategic infrastructure projects, such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and large-scale developments in the UAE, are reshaping the landscape and attracting global capital. These initiatives offer UK businesses lucrative opportunities to expand their global footprint.
