A delegation from Bermuda has returned from the United Arab Emirates after discussions aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Bermuda Business Development Agency’s managing director, Kendaree Burgess, and head of business development, David Parker, were in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

According to a post on the BDA’s LinkedIn page, in Abu Dhabi they met Wai Lum Kwok, senior executive director at Abu Dhabi Global Market, and Aisha Almansoori, executive director of the Emirates Family Office Association.

A year ago, the Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the EFOA to bring a branch of the association to Bermuda within the next 12 months.

The agreement was part of moves to promote Bermuda as a prime jurisdiction for family office business.

In Dubai, the delegation met with representatives from the Dubai International Financial Centre to “explore opportunities in insurance and reinsurance, private wealth, and financial technology”.

They also met with Alexia Hefti, the Government’s special representative for the Middle East and Africa, and Kyle James, business development manager for the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority.

“Discussions centred on strengthening relations between Bermuda and the UAE, including opportunities in infrastructure, private wealth, and digital technologies,” said the post.

Before the UAE trip, Ms Burgess and Mr Parker represented Bermuda at the Saudi British Joint Business Council biannual gathering in Riyadh.

They met Codelia Begbie, executive director of the SBJBC, and Salim Kawadri, head of investment in Saudi Arabia for the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.

A LinkedIn post said: “This notable event was an integral part of the BDA's strategic journey aimed at fostering stronger business and investment ties between Bermuda and leading international markets.”

The Government has been targeting the Middle East with the Premier and ministers visiting the area.

Earlier this year, David Burt, the Premier, attended a fintech conference in the United Arab Emirates, and last year he attended the Abu Dhabi Finance Week and represented Bermuda at COP28 in Dubai.

The Minister of the Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, and the Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, have also attended events in the Middle East.