The Government Senate Leader moved to justify why both the Premier and Deputy Premier travelled to the United Arab Emirates on the taxpayers dime last week.

Owen Darrell said David Burt and Walter Roban travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the United Nations COP28 but Mr Burt also attended other important events in the region.

Mr Darrell told the Senate: “The Premier and Deputy Premier travelled to the UAE for two separate and distinct purposes.

“The Premier and Minister of Finance attended to support the Government’s business development objectives, as in line with our economic development strategy.

“The Deputy Premier, as Minister of Home Affairs, attended to advance and represent our environmental agenda, and report on its advancements.”

Mr Darrell said the Premier visited Abu Dhabi, where he attended Finance Week and Dubai, where he attended COP28.

Mr Darrell said: “Abu Dhabi Finance Week is a gathering of global finance leaders, featuring the leaders of the world’s most significant hedge funds, family offices, financial services firms, regional regulators and high-level representatives from the UAE Government.

“During the Abu Dhabi Finance Week, a significant milestone was reached with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Family Office Association, which the Premier signed on behalf of the Minister of Economy and Labour.

“The MOU advances Bermuda’s initiative to attract additional high net worth family officers, in line with government’s economic development strategy.

“Under the terms of the MOU and the EFOA, we will establish a physical branch in Bermuda within the next 12 months.”

He said the commitment signifies the strengthening ties between Bermuda and the Middle East, both in the public and private sectors.

Also while in Abu Dhabi, the Premier engaged with officials from an investment company as a follow up to the informal discussions that Mr Barclay Simmons, the chairman of the Bermuda Public Funds Investment Committee, and the Premier held with its chairman and managing director in March.

At the meeting, opportunities for renewable energy investment and infrastructure were discussed.

The Premier also met with one of the largest real estate developers in Dubai.

Mr Darrell added: “COP28 … is a diplomatic event where government leaders, business leaders, innovators and scientists gather in one location.

“This provided the opportunity for valuable meetings, scheduled and unscheduled, that were of great benefit.

“Business development meetings included engagement with Peter Abraham, chief strategy and growth officer of the International Holding Company, the largest public company in UAE.”

Mr Darrell said the Deputy Premier attended and participated in “substantive climate and environmental” discussions at COP28.

“He represented Bermuda as part of the UK Overseas Territories delegation marking significant achievements in Bermuda’s global partnerships and our ongoing leadership in environmental initiatives,” he said.

“We forged new partnerships, strengthened existing relationships and showcased Bermuda’s dedication to sustainable development and climate action on the global stage.”