Scottish Enterprise will open a new energy transition hub in Abu Dhabi to support Scottish clean energy companies seeking to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market, the economic development agency announced during a trade visit to the region.
The hub forms the second phase of a broader internationalisation programme led by Scottish Enterprise and is aimed at helping firms generate additional export sales and establish a commercial presence in the UAE.
“The UAE Energy Hub presents Scottish businesses with an excellent opportunity to capitalise on this position and develop the partnerships, the collaborations and the investment opportunities that are ready to be unlocked,” said Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.
Scheduled to support between five and ten companies in its first year, the hub will provide participants with access to mentoring, market entry advice, and funding guidance for a period of 12 to 18 months. Participating firms will be backed by Scottish Enterprise’s international team and in-market specialists.
“This innovative approach will help ambitious Scottish companies take their first steps in the UAE,” said Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise. “We’re intentionally locating the hub in Abu Dhabi to be near businesses at the forefront of UAE’s energy transition, such as Masdar, ADNOC and TAQA.”
Full details of the hub’s location, local partnerships, and launch date are still being finalised.
The UAE is viewed as a strategic market for Scottish exports, with goods valued at £548 million exported in 2023. The new hub will enable direct engagement with major UAE stakeholders in the clean energy sector, including government entities, business support organisations, and potential investors.
The announcement follows the completion of the programme’s first phase, which took place in Scotland. That stage involved 12 Scottish firms working with UAE and domestic experts on regulatory requirements, business practices, and market entry strategies.
“It’s been a productive visit so far with our companies making incredibly useful connections that will help them further develop a strong presence in UAE when the Scottish energy transition hub opens,” Gillespie added.
