On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the joint statement concluding the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the United Kingdom was signed, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and trade partnership between both sides.

H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, participated in the GCC Ministers of Trade meeting with the British side, which was held virtually.

His Excellency affirmed that the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the GCC and the United Kingdom represents an achievement that reflects the State of Qatar’s position and active role in shaping the future of international economic relations.

He added: “This agreement goes beyond enhancing trade exchange; it establishes a long-term economic partnership with the United Kingdom and provides Qatari companies and investors with broader opportunities to access global markets, further enhancing the competitiveness of the Qatari economy and reinforcing its position as a regional hub for trade and energy.”

His Excellency further emphasized that the agreement will have a direct impact on Qatar’s private sector, as it will provide Qatari companies with wider access to the British market and strengthen their competitiveness in areas such as digital trade, financial services, and energy, opening new horizons for economic growth.

He concluded by reaffirming that the State of Qatar will continue working with its GCC partners to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement’s provisions and translate them into tangible gains for Gulf economies and peoples.

The agreement aims to support trade exchange, enhance investments, and expand prospects for economic cooperation between both sides in a manner that serves mutual interests.