During the Investopia– Edinburgh

UAE and Scotland explore investment opportunities in future sectors based on innovation and knowledge economy

Investopia– Edinburgh was held today as part of the global Investopia Talks, in collaboration with the Scottish Government. The event focused on identifying opportunities for investment collaboration, strengthening UAE-Scotland partnership, and fostering direct communication between the business communities of the two countries, particularly across innovation-driven and new economy sectors.

The event brought together a distinguished group of government officials, business leaders and investors from the UAE and Scotland. Representing the UAE were H.E. Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO at Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); and David Tabet, COO of Investopia. From Scotland attendees included H.E. Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, and Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise.

In the context, H.E. Mohammed Abdulrahman Alhawi said, “The UAE and Scotland share a converging pathway of economic development. Both economies, blessed with strong resource foundations, are pursuing ambitious diversification strategies to move beyond traditional industries and accelerate growth in future-focused sectors. The relationship between the two countries is deep and multi-dimensional, driven by strategic investments and close collaboration between governments and private sectors across energy, infrastructure, technology and financial services. The UAE remains committed to strengthening partnerships that fosters resilient and robust economic growth, while offering Scottish companies an attractive platform for regional and global expansion, supported by a clear vision, a stable investment environment, and access to promising future sectors.”

H.E. Kate Forbes said, “Scotland and the UAE share common visions to advance collaboration in strategic economic sectors, including investment, education, technology and renewable energy.” She noted that recent meetings and visits between the two countries reflect the mutual interest in deepening the partnership. This contributes to stimulating investments in Scotland’s most dynamic sectors, supporting the UAE’s diversification efforts, and delivering innovative solutions that advance the development goals of both sides.

David Tabet emphasised that “Investopia–Edinburgh” reflects Investopia’s commitment to enhancing meaningful global investment dialogue and building effective bridges between markets. “Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has become a trusted global platform that transforms dialogue into partnerships, and partnerships into investments that support sustainable growth and future readiness. “The event marks an important milestone in strengthening dialogue between the UAE and the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland, by bringing together decision-makers and business leaders to explore long-term collaboration and develop investment corridors,” he added.

During the event, discussions focused on reviewing available investment opportunities, highlighting priority economic sectors, and exploring mechanisms for building long-term partnerships that support sustainable economic growth and enhance integration between the investment ecosystems of both countries.

The program also included a discussion session highlighting Scotland’s investment environment, its innovation-driven economic development ecosystem, leading sectors, and competitive advantages offered to international investors. The session further showcased quality opportunities for cross-market partnerships.

Additionally, the event featured a session showcasing the UAE’s investment environment with a focus on the evolution of its investment ecosystem, priority sectors, and the key drivers that strengthen the country’s attractiveness as a regional and global hub for quality investments, in line with policies that support economic growth and the new economy.

Meanwhile, a strategic roundtable was convened to discuss mechanisms to reinforce investment opportunities, develop partnerships between business communities, and share perspectives on advancing joint projects in future sectors, thereby supporting the investment corridor between the UAE and Scotland.

On the sidelines of the event, Investopia signed a cooperation agreement with Scottish Enterprise, aimed at enabling the participation of a Scottish delegation in the 5th edition of Investopia in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to take place from 31 March to 2 April 2026. The agreement was signed by David Tabet, COO of Investopia, and Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, and is designed to expand investment collaboration opportunities and deepen engagement between the two countries’ business communities.

Investopia - Edinburgh concluded with a series of bilateral communication sessions between companies, enabling participants to explore potential collaboration and build new investment relationships that support integration between the markets of the two countries.