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New UK FTA with GCC Imminent

Introduction

Multiple reports are now stating that the negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal between the UK and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which commenced under the previous Conservative government, are now complete and that the handshake will take place in London later this week when Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with the GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi.

The Gulf Cooperation Council is a political, economic and regional alliance of six middle-eastern nations - Bahrain; Kuwait; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; and the United Arab Emirates. The deal is forecasted by the UK government to provide a long-term uplift to UK GDP of as much as £3.1 Billion per year, equivalent to 0.11 percent of GDP.

Links

Financial Times, 17th May 2026, "UK Closes in on Trade Deal With Gulf States", Click Here to Read
Department of International Trade, June 2022, "UK-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA: The UK's Strategic Approach", Click Here to Read

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Britain Unbound Team

May 18, 2026

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