In December 2025 the UAE Embassy in London welcomed the great and the good from British and Emirati society and beyond to a National Day celebration at Raffles London, housed in the magnificent former Old War Office on Whitehall. Marking the founding of the United Arab Emirates, the event underscored the strength of UAE–UK ties and the unity of the Emirati community.
His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, opened the reception by reflecting on the relationship’s progress since 1971: "The UAE’s journey – from our early days as a young federation to our place today as a hub of innovation and opportunity – has always been defined by unity of purpose, and our enduring friendship with the United Kingdom remains a vital part of that journey."
In a year when bilateral trade reached nearly £24.8 billion, Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Trade joined as guest of honour, paying tribute to the ongoing relationship between the two countries. He was joined by leaders from politics, business, culture, and diplomacy.
The evening highlighted ongoing collaboration on shared climate goals building on COP28’s legacy, continued investment via the Sovereign InvestmentPartnership, and the UAE and UK’s vibrant commercial, cultural, and human exchange — reflected in the five million passengers travelling between both countries annually.
Over the course of the evening, guests were able to sample a range ofEmirati dishes, bringing flavours of the Gulf to central London. The audience was also treated to traditional Emirati performances, offering a glimpse into the UAE’s rich cultural heritage. The evening also featured cultural activations centred around traditional bukhoor and Emirati coffee, offering guests an immersive experience of Emirati hospitality.
The event was supported by First Abu Dhabi Bank, Masdar, DP World,Emirates NBD, and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
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