The Government will continue to fund official efforts in the Middle East at the same levels over the next fiscal year as it did last year.

Speaking in the House last week during a Budget debate, Vance Campbell, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, said the “Middle Eastern affairs budget” would “remain at $240,000”.

He added that the funds would be use to support increased engagement in the region.

Last May, David Burt, the Premier, said that Alexia Hefti, a lawyer, had been hired “to realise the full scope of opportunities presented by this exciting region”.

At the time, he pointed out that the Governor and the British Government were consulted on representation in the Middle East.

Mr Campbell said last week the role had “established economic, cultural and trade ties, as well as led the foundational relationship for commercial engagement with the United Arab Emirates”.

The minister also highlighted the Premier’s appearance on Dubai television, and Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, being featured in a Bloomberg podcast in the UAE.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Family Office Association, which Mr Campbell said was in the process of establishing an office in Bermuda between the third and fourth quarter of this year.

A total of $1.235 million has been budgeted for Bermuda’s London Office, which opened 15 years ago and has three full-time staff.

Mr Campbell said: “With the increase in Bermudians relocating to the UK, the London Office has experienced an increased number of consulate cases and as such will be looking to increase its level of resources and personnel starting with the creation of additional posts reporting to the Cabinet Office.”

Bermuda’s offices in Brussels and Washington are expected to receive $393,000 and $462,000, respectively.

The minister said the Brussels Office, managed by Bermudian Aliyyah Ahad, liaised with “key stakeholders and decision-makers in Brussels while establishing new connections” and maintained the Government’s presence in Europe.

Mr Campbell also highlighted some responsibilities of the Government’s Washington office, which include promoting Bermuda as a financial and tourist destination and advising on United States policies that affect the island.

This year, the office plans to meet with US organisations involved in digital assets and fintech, secure business leads and create an updated list of Bermudian College students in the US.