UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia come at a pivotal moment for both the Middle East and the Western world. With the Gaza war, the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, and the surprising collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria dominating headlines, Starmer’s engagements with key Gulf allies underscore the urgency of revitalizing the UK’s relationships in a volatile and rapidly changing global landscape.

Starmer’s inaugural visit to the Gulf as Prime Minister reflects Britain’s evolving foreign policy priorities in the aftermath of Brexit. Historically, the UK has maintained a special, albeit limited, relationship with Gulf states. Rooted in colonial ties and bolstered by mutual respect between royal families, this relationship often prioritized defense and security. However, the post-Brexit reality presents a UK that is more isolated and economically vulnerable, needing robust alliances to bolster its global standing.

The stated aim of Starmer’s visit-to strengthen ties and attract investment-highlights a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. No. 10 Downing Street emphasized the importance of securing a free trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Such a deal could inject much-needed momentum into the UK’s economic recovery and position Britain as a more competitive player in global markets.

While Britain seeks to enhance its economic prospects, Gulf states are no longer the passive allies they were once perceived to be. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have transformed themselves into dynamic, strategic players with diversified partnerships. Over the past decade, these nations have pursued ambitious modernization plans, investing heavily in........

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