What Britain’s long ties with Arabian Gulf states will mean for new trade deals

Boris Johnson is determined that Britain will become a major trading partner with the Gulf after it severs ties with the European Union.

Britain has struggled to agree on terms with the EU on a trade relationship and, on Friday, Mr Johnson said that a “no deal” was becoming likely.

With that partnership in the balance, Mr Johnson suggested that Britain’s Gulf ties would be a means of increasing trade with countries such as the UAE. He was asked what vision he had in mind for Britain in establishing greater links with the region.

“The Gulf is already the UK’s third-biggest trading partner outside the European Union, and as we leave the EU I want to strengthen this relationship further,” he said.

“The UK will be looking to modernise our security and defence partnerships with the

Gulf, support a sustainable transition towards cleaner energy and champion open and inclusive societies.”

Mr Johnson is eager for a significant boost to trade with countries outside the eurozone.

There was been a suggestion of setting up 10 free ports in Britain where trade would be increased by exemptions on duty and tax.

Businesses in the Gulf countries have expressed interest in investing in and building the concessionary areas Westminster may create.

Mr Johnson, author of After Rome, a book on the early Islamic period, referred to Britain’s long relationship with the area.

“Britain has deep-seated ties to the Gulf region, dating all the way back to the Anglo-Omani Agreement in 1798 and the Maritime Treaty signed with the UAE exactly 200 years ago.” In the last few years, Britain’s military has also increased its presence in the Gulf, and the Royal Navy is expected to send aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the next year.

There are also strong ties between the UK’s leading defence companies and Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well the UAE.

As a reminder of the living shared history, Mr Johnson addressed contemporary ties.

“The UK’s partnerships with Gulf nations are incredibly important for our prosperity and security,” he said.

“Some 175,000 British nationals live in the Gulf,” the prime minister said. “And, before Covid affected all our lives, one million Brits visited each year – to do business, forge relationships and enjoy some of that fabled sunshine.”