UK unlocks $8.6bn in trade and investment deals with Saudi Arabia during Reeves visit

Rachel Reeves at Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, Britain, September 29, 2025
Reuters

The British government announced on Wednesday that it had struck a series of trade and investment agreements worth $8.6 billion with Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in the UK’s efforts to boost economic relations across the Gulf.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves met senior Saudi officials and business leaders in Riyadh this week, where discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and financial cooperation between the two countries.

As part of the deals, the UK’s Export Finance agency will provide around £5 billion in export credit to support British firms competing for contracts in Saudi Arabia.

Several major UK-based companies, including Aberdeen Investcorp, Barclays, HSBC, and artificial intelligence firm Quantexa, signed new agreements aimed at deepening their presence in the Gulf.

British officials say the partnership will help increase UK exports, create jobs, and attract fresh investment, reinforcing London’s goal of strengthening trade ties beyond Europe.

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