Great Futures: Strengthening UK-Saudi Arabia Trade Relations

It was a privilege to join GREAT FUTURES, the UK’s largest-ever delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in Riyadh on 14 and 15 May. Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Mr. Oliver Dowden MP, led the delegation of 450 of the UK’s most creative and innovative companies to Saudi Arabia – it was an honour for Regent Group to be included in their number.

The Growing UK-KSA Relationship

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Trade between the UK and KSA is already worth more than £17.3 billion, and a new target has been set: to increase bilateral trade to £30 billion by 2030. KSA has an ambitious vision for economic diversification, global engagement, and enhanced quality of life for its people, encapsulated in Vision 2030. Regent Group supports that ambition, and it was pleasing to join UK businesses who also want to work with the Kingdom as they progress towards achieving their goals.

GREAT FUTURES: A Landmark Initiative

GREAT FUTURES in Riyadh kicked off a year-long programme showcasing the UK’s best and brightest in the world’s most exciting markets. It is part of GREAT, a campaign that has proudly promoted the best of the UK on the world stage for over a decade. This initiative aims to foster strong business ties and create significant opportunities for both the UK and KSA.

Embracing a Global Mindset

I wholeheartedly embrace the global-minded ethos of GREAT FUTURES. Regent Group was made in Britain nearly 25 years ago. Today, we are a global business with headquarters in London and New York, and centres at Dubai Knowledge Park and in India. As well as KSA’s Vision 2030, we support Dubai’s economic agenda D33, plus education and environmental initiatives in Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Regent Group’s Multifaceted Approach

Having started as an education business, Regent Group now works in education, impactful investment, and economy-building. Our mission is to harness the power of education and innovation to drive economic growth and societal progress. Our involvement in GREAT FUTURES reflects our commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that can unlock new opportunities and drive positive change.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to see what great futures can be built through partnership between UK businesses like ours and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The collaboration initiated at GREAT FUTURES is just the beginning of a journey towards greater economic integration and shared prosperity. By working together, we can achieve remarkable milestones and contribute to a brighter future for both nations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GREAT FUTURES initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the UK-KSA relationship. Regent Group is proud to be part of this historic delegation and looks forward to contributing to the shared goals of economic diversification, innovation, and global engagement. Together, we can build a future that is not only prosperous but also inclusive and sustainable.

Dr Selva Pankaj