Reform UK UAE ties have expanded through political meetings, business networks and shared policy positions, according to a Middle East Eye investigation examining Nigel Farage’s reversal from critic to vocal admirer of the Gulf state.
Farage addressed about 80 guests at a private GB News event in Dubai on January 28, 2026, the investigation said. Attendees included UAE Industry Minister Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber and senior Reform figures.
MEE said Farage praised the United Arab Emirates, whose capital, Abu Dhabi, is in the Gulf region, and told Emirati officials that Britain had much to learn from the country.
He also reportedly backed its prohibition of the Muslim Brotherhood and said a Reform government would pursue a similar ban.
The remarks contrasted with Farage’s December 2023 criticism of the UAE’s failed attempt to acquire the Telegraph. Writing in the newspaper.
He described the country as an absolute monarchy with a poor human rights record and questioned whether its rulers would tolerate scrutiny by the British press.
Farage later visited Abu Dhabi on a December trip valued at about £10,000 and funded by the Emirati government, according to the investigation.
The Financial Times previously reported that Reform Treasurer Nick Candy arranged meetings between Farage and Emirati officials.
Other senior Reform figures have established UAE connections. Deputy leader Richard Tice has promoted closer economic cooperation with Dubai.
While former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi holds positions involving Emirati property and investment interests. Zahawi has also helped cultivate Reform’s relationship with Abu Dhabi.
Reform cited the UAE’s renewable residency system when proposing to replace Britain’s Indefinite Leave to Remain status with five-year work visas.
Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told MEE that the UAE’s migrant sponsorship system had enabled labour abuses and denied workers significant political and employment rights.
Farage has separately pledged to ban the Muslim Brotherhood and alleged, without presenting evidence, that it is embedded in British institutions.
Read: UK Announces Visa-Free Entry for GCC Citizens from February 2024
Previous British government and parliamentary reviews raised concerns about aspects of the organisation but stopped short of recommending proscription.
UAE Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Farage in London in May 2026. The Emirati foreign ministry said they discussed regional developments and relations between Britain and the UAE.
King’s College London academic Andreas Krieg told MEE that Farage could help Abu Dhabi promote its positions through British
European and American conservative networks. Reform UK and the UAE Embassy in London were contacted for comment, MEE said.
