Abdeslam El-Idrissi

ABCC contributes to stronger ties between the UK and Arab nations by facilitating business interactions, bridging cultural and language gaps, providing trade facilitation services, and engaging in promotional events and activities.

How does ABCC contribute to stronger relationships between the UK and Arab nations?

Our mission is to facilitate business interactions, bridge cultural and language gaps, and ensure the quality and suitability of shipments and services entering Arab countries. We are authorized to authenticate and verify all export documentation between the UK and the Arab world, allowing us to serve the entire UK. We facilitate the exchange of paperwork, knowledge, and information, and we collaborate with Arab embassies and ministries to stay up to date on their country’s regulations. Through our efforts, the chamber has played a significant role in bridging language barriers and misunderstandings, contributing to the growth of the GCC market. A great example is Dubai, with Britain hugely contributing to its growth from a new and underdeveloped city in the 1979s to the remarkable city it is today. Our primary service is trade facilitation. Those looking to transport goods between the UK and the Arab world turn to us as a one-stop solution for authenticating and verifying paperwork. We offer translation services and can assist with visits to the Foreign Commonwealth Office. We ensure smooth and secure payment processes for traded goods, for example by confirming that the purchased goods meet the expected standards and price. We also provide market entry services. For example, if someone wants to export goods to Saudi Arabia, we conduct research, collaborate with our partners in Saudi, and present a comprehensive report outlining the market’s potential. Finally, we engage in roadshows, deliver speeches, and host a “Dragon’s Den” style session where businesses inquire about selling products in specific countries.

How would you describe the evolution of bilateral ties between Britain and the Arab world?

The UK-Arab world relationship has historically been robust, with few significant issues of contention. Past challenges, including visa-related ones, are gradually improving. A notable hurdle was the reluctance of British companies to engage directly in the Gulf region. Travel to countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia was essential for effective business engagement before the era of emails and Zoom. Learning a few Arabic phrases and having bilingual business cards were valuable tips for building rapport. The GCC has maintained a strong trade relationship with the UK, consistently growing over the past decade. Currently, UK-GCC trade is valued at over GBP67 billion, indicating its ongoing strength.

To what extent do you anticipate an increase in tourism, business travel, and overall relations with the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme for GCC nationals?

The new online application system costs just GBP10 and grants a three-year visa, thus allowing people to come and do business here without having to obtain visas repeatedly. What is great is that the ETA permits movement throughout the entire GCC region as well as Jordan. This development will not only boost trade, but also benefit tourism and London’s post-COVID-19 recovery. London seeks to attract tourists, especially from the GCC countries, known for their extended stays and significant purchasing power; however, there has been a recent change in tax policy. Tourists used to receive VAT refunds upon leaving the country, but this practice has been discontinued. This policy, unique to the UK, has generated some lobbying efforts to reinstate it, as it does not align with global practices. Pressure may mount to reconsider this policy in the future.

Given the GCC’s emphasis on digital transformation and with the UK being a technology powerhouse, how do you envision the collaboration between the two regions in this area?

All GCC countries are actively diversifying their economies and are eager to welcome British innovators, creators and knowledge experts to establish operations. This is about generating employment opportunities, particularly for their large, well-educated and young population. GCC countries are willing to offer financial support, land, and infrastructure to attract knowledge-based companies and production lines. This shift reflects a focus on knowledge exchange and technology-driven growth.