The Lord Mayor of London’s Square Mile, Jeffrey Mountevans, is leading a large business delegation to the Gulf (16 – 26 January 2016) as part of efforts to strengthen relationships in the region and ensure that London and the UK remain the partner of choice for financial and professional services.

The Lord Mayor, acting as ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services, will be meeting with senior members of the government, investment authorities, regulators and business leaders. His programme is as follows:

• Kuwait City, Kuwait (17-19 January)
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (19 -21 January)
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE (22 - 26 January)

Speaking ahead of his trip, Lord Mayor Mountevans said:

“As the whole Gulf region looks to diversify its respective economies, I want to show how the City of London, with its expertise in financial and professional services, can support the region with its ambitious plans. We have so much to offer ranging from world-leading businesses to our expertise in the insurance and legal market, education, qualifications and Islamic Finance.

“This visit will also show how the UK is a natural partner for the region - closer ties will help support our respective interests, support sustainable economic growth and help create many more jobs.”

Notes to editors

• About the Lord Mayor of the City of London: The Lord Mayor is head of the Square Mile’s City of London authority for one year and the position is unpaid and apolitical. It is an exceptionally demanding role. The Lord Mayor spends some 90 days abroad and addresses some 10,000 people face-to-face each month (making around 800 speeches a year). The Lord Mayor represents City businesses and helps the City Corporation advise the Government of the day on what is needed to help the financial services sector to function well. The Lord Mayor frequently travels to represent the City; and travels overseas with the status of a Cabinet Minister. The Lord Mayor meets several international Heads of Government and Business each month to discuss financial services, often in conjunction with senior City business representatives. The Lord Mayor lives in the Mansion House for the Mayoral year.
• Companies joining the Lord Mayor as part of the business delegation include: Lloyds of London, Linklaters, Invesco Asset Management, Grant Thornton & Deloitte.