The UK and the GCC have finally concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, years in the making and a genuine milestone for Britain’s trade strategy. It still needs to be ratified before it takes legal effect, but the direction is clear: both sides want deeper economic ties, more investment flowing both ways, and fewer obstacles to trade.

For UK businesses weighing up international expansion, the agreement provides another compelling reason to look towards the Gulf. More specifically, it reinforces the UAE’s position as the natural gateway into one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.

I have spent 25 years advising British companies on setting up and expanding across the GCC, and I have watched how the region has evolved in that time. The Gulf used to be somewhere UK firms sold into; now it is somewhere they build: regional headquarters, innovation functions, long-term investment. The free trade agreement is the latest chapter in that shift, not the start of it.

More than a trade deal

Much of the commentary so far has understandably focused on tariffs. Once implemented, the agreement is expected to strip out hundreds of millions of pounds in duties on UK exports to the GCC and lift bilateral trade meaningfully over the next few years. Those numbers matter to exporters.

But as a lawyer who spends most of my time helping businesses get set up in the region, the part that interests me most is not the tariff schedule. It is the certainty the agreement creates. Companies do not invest because a market is open on paper; they invest because they trust it will stay open. After all, the legal environment is stable, the rules are transparent, and the risk of the ground shifting is low. This is what this agreement is really offering.

Why the UAE

The deal covers all six GCC member states, but in practice most British businesses will begin their Gulf journey in the UAE, and for good reason. The UAE has spent decades building a reputation as one of the easiest places in the world to do business. Its strategic location places companies within easy reach of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, giving access to markets of more than two billion consumers within a relatively short flight. It also has the infrastructure to back that up: strong logistics, well-regarded financial centres, reliable telecommunications and a legal framework built with international investors in mind.

For most businesses I work with, establishing in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is not really about the UAE market at all. It is about having a base from which to expand throughout the rest of the Gulf.

Dubai as a regional base

One of the clearest trends I have witnessed accelerate over recent years is the growing number of UK companies establishing a genuine regional headquarters in Dubai. It is not only the multinational corporations doing this anymore. Technology businesses, professional service firms, manufacturers, family businesses and fast-growing SMEs are increasingly choosing Dubai as the hub for their Middle East operations, managing distributors, supporting regional clients, overseeing regional procurement, recruiting talent and building relationships with government and industry partners, all from one base.

Dubai’s time zone, connectivity and international workforce make it well suited to the role, and the free trade agreement should only add to its appeal as a launchpad into the wider Gulf.

Trade agreements tend to get discussed in terms of physical products, but one of Britain’s greatest exports is expertise: law, accountancy, financial services, engineering, architecture, consulting, education, healthcare and technology. These are all areas where UK firms have a strong international reputation.

The agreement includes important commitments on services, providing greater certainty around market access and helping reduce future barriers to operating across borders. That should matter a great deal to the many British professional service firms already operating in the UAE or weighing up whether to expand here.

There are also provisions on digital trade, including the cross-border movement of financial data, which should make it easier for firms operating across multiple jurisdictions to actually deliver services rather than simply sell into a single market.

Every investment decision comes down to balancing opportunity against risk. The question I get asked most often by clients considering the region is not “can we do business here?” but “can we invest with confidence?”.

The investment chapter of the agreement is aimed squarely at that question: modern protections for investors, commitments to fair treatment and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms. Whilst legal protections alone will never determine investment decisions, they provide an important foundation to build commercial relationships on.

The UAE’s alignment with UK business

Another reason the agreement is particularly timely is the growing alignment between the UK’s economic priorities and those of the UAE. Both countries are investing heavily in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, financial services, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, logistics and innovation. That opens the door to something beyond simple export relationships. British and Emirati companies are increasingly partnering to develop technology, transfer knowledge, establish regional operations and deliver major projects together. This is no longer a traditional trade relationship. It is a working one.

Preparing for market entry

None of this is a substitute for careful planning. Whatever the excitement around the agreement, businesses still need to choose the right corporate structure, understand local regulations, protect their intellectual property and get their tax position right before they commit.

The UAE gives companies plenty of options, from mainland companies to free zone entities, regional headquarters, holding companies and special purpose vehicles. Which one makes sense depends entirely on the business, who its customers are, how it wants to be owned and long-term expansion plans. Getting advice early is usually far cheaper than restructuring later.

What comes next

The agreement still has to be ratified before any of this takes legal effect, but its conclusion is a signal in itself: that the UK and the GCC are strengthening one of the world’s most significant trading relationships at a time when businesses everywhere are looking for stable, diversified markets to operate in.

For British companies considering expansion overseas, that is worth pausing on. From where I sit, having advised on this region for a long time, the UAE remains the obvious starting point: its legal framework, connectivity and international outlook are hard to match elsewhere in the Gulf.

The agreement will not transform trade between Britain and the Gulf overnight. What it will do is add certainty, strengthen investor confidence and give British businesses stronger collaboration with the Gulf. For many of the companies I speak to, the question these days is not whether to look seriously at the UAE; it is how much longer they can afford to wait before their competitors get there first.

The writer is a partner at CSP Group.

Saudi Arabia has unveiled the first phase of its newly introduced Visa Package, identifying six countries whose citizens are eligible to access the streamlined travel initiative as the kingdom continues its efforts to strengthen tourism and simplify visitor entry procedures.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Visa Package is currently available to travelers from Jordan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Mexico. The initiative enables eligible visitors to secure a Saudi tourist visa electronically as part of a bundled travel booking, removing the need to submit a separate visa application, a Saudi Gazette report said.

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The program combines round-trip flights, accommodation at licensed hotels and an electronic tourist visa into a single digital booking process. Eligible travellers can complete their travel arrangements through an approved package offered by authorised travel providers.

Electronic visa issued within 48 hours

The Ministry of Tourism said the tourist visa is issued electronically within a maximum of 48 hours after the travel package purchase is completed. The process eliminates the need for applicants to visit a Saudi embassy, making travel arrangements faster and more convenient.

To obtain the package, travellers must select an approved travel package through an authorized travel agency, complete the payment digitally, and receive their visa, travel insurance and travel documents via email.

At present, the ministry has accredited two travel agencies to provide the service — Reserval and Almosafer.

According to the ministry, the Visa Package provides a single-entry tourist visa valid for three months. The visa permits visitors to stay in the Kingdom for a minimum of two days and a maximum of 88 days. Once issued, the visa cannot be canceled independently, while canceling the travel package automatically revokes the associated visa.

Package requirements and future expansion

The ministry said every package must include a confirmed round-trip flight, accommodation at a Ministry of Tourism-licensed hotel with a minimum four-star rating, and the electronic visa application.

The minimum package price has been set at SAR4,000 per adult for the first two days, with an additional SAR1,000 charged for each consecutive day. Travelers also have the option of adding services such as event tickets and leisure experiences.

While the packages do not include services related to Umrah or other arrangements in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, visa holders are permitted to travel throughout Saudi Arabia, including both holy cities, after arrival.

The ministry added that refunds and booking modifications resulting from airline or accommodation cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances will be managed in accordance with the policies of the authorised travel service provider.

The Ministry of Tourism said additional nationalities will be included in future phases of the Visa Package programme.

Dubai Customs has significantly strengthened its operational readiness ahead of the peak summer travel season, with approximately three million passengers expected to pass through Dubai’s airports during the first half of July.

The enhanced preparations form part of a comprehensive operational strategy designed to ensure the smooth movement of passengers while maintaining high standards of security, efficiency and customer service. The initiative also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism, business and aviation destinations.

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The measures are aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further strengthen Dubai’s standing as the world’s most visited city, according to a WAM report.

Coordinated planning to manage seasonal passenger growth

Preparations for the busy travel period were preceded by a series of coordination meetings between Dubai Customs and its strategic partners at Dubai Airports. The discussions focused on reviewing operational plans, enhancing institutional readiness and ensuring passenger movement remains efficient despite the anticipated increase in travel demand.

The collaborative approach is intended to accommodate continued growth in visitor numbers while preserving service quality in line with internationally recognised standards.

Dubai Customs said the integrated planning framework enables authorities to respond proactively to seasonal demand, ensuring airport operations continue to function efficiently without compromising customs procedures or passenger convenience.

Advanced technology strengthens operational efficiency

As part of its operational infrastructure, Dubai Customs has deployed 19 advanced baggage-screening systems alongside 77 detection and inspection systems across the various terminals and passenger halls at Dubai’s airports.

The technology is designed to increase baggage-handling capacity, accelerate inspection procedures and maintain stringent security and safety standards throughout the travel period. Officials said these systems play a critical role in sustaining operational efficiency during periods of exceptionally high passenger volumes.

In a further enhancement, Dubai Customs has reduced baggage screening times within the manual inspection areas of arrivals halls. Bags now pass through screening equipment in approximately seven seconds, helping reduce waiting times while improving passenger flow.

Officials emphasised that the faster processing times have been achieved without compromising customs security or inspection accuracy, reflecting continued investment in modern inspection technologies.

Passenger awareness remains a key priority

Alongside technological upgrades, Dubai Customs continues to strengthen public awareness through an updated guidance booklet outlining customs regulations for travellers entering the UAE.

The guide explains the categories of goods permitted for entry, customs exemption rules and the applicable allowances for passengers.

Under current regulations, travellers may bring gifts valued at up to AED3,000 without paying customs duties, provided the items are intended for personal use, are limited in quantity and are not imported for commercial purposes. The exemption also applies only where the traveller is not engaged in trading the goods being carried.

Customs duties remain applicable on goods that exceed the permitted value or quantity limits, as well as on baggage exceeding approved allowances.

New pet inspection facilities under development

Dubai Customs is also expanding passenger services through the development of dedicated pet inspection rooms at Dubai Airports’ Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Dubai Airports and the relevant government authorities to provide specialised facilities that enable veterinary inspections to be completed efficiently and in an appropriate environment.

The project is expected to improve the travel experience for passengers arriving in or departing from Dubai with pets, while supporting regulatory compliance and streamlining inspection procedures.

Officials said work is progressing on the technical and regulatory requirements needed before the facilities become operational.

Officials highlight proactive approach to service excellence

Khalid Ahmed, Director of the Passenger Operations Department at Dubai Customs, said preparations for the summer travel season began well in advance through coordinated planning with strategic partners.

He said the operational plans were designed to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic while ensuring the uninterrupted movement of travellers across all passenger halls at Dubai airports without affecting processing speed or service quality.

Ahmed added that Dubai Customs continues to invest in expanding its operational capabilities through the deployment of advanced smart technologies and by strengthening the expertise of its frontline teams.

He said these investments enable the organisation to respond effectively to sustained growth in passenger volumes while delivering proactive services that enhance the overall travel experience and maintain the highest standards of customs security.

Commenting on the new pet inspection project, Ahmed said the initiative reflects Dubai Customs’ broader commitment to continuously improving passenger services and responding to the evolving needs of travellers.

He noted that the facilities are being developed in line with international best practices, with implementation progressing in close coordination with partner entities to ensure all technical and regulatory requirements are fulfilled before launch.

Ahmed also highlighted the reduction in baggage screening times, noting that achieving a seven-second processing time within manual inspection areas demonstrates the effectiveness of Dubai Customs’ modern inspection systems and advanced operational capabilities.

He stressed that accelerating procedures has not come at the expense of security, but rather enhances inspection efficiency while providing passengers with a faster and more seamless airport experience.

Looking ahead, Ahmed affirmed that Dubai Customs will continue implementing initiatives and development projects aimed at improving passenger services, supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness as a global destination for tourism, business and aviation.

He added that the department remains committed to positioning Dubai as an international benchmark for government service excellence, innovation and ease of travel.

Somewhere in a product lab, a team of engineers spent years trying to make glass feel like paper. To recreate the subtle friction and tactile feel of writing on actual paper. The quiet satisfaction of a stylus dragging across a surface that knows when to push back. The fact that this counts as a frontier of innovation tells you everything about where the tablet industry has reached in 2026.

At first glance, that feels like a contradiction. After all, technology has spent decades trying to move beyond paper. Yet, at a time when conversations around digital fatigue are becoming more common, manufacturers are finding themselves drawn back to some of the qualities that made paper appealing in the first place: comfort, familiarity and simplicity.

This does not mean people want less technology. If anything, they are spending more time with digital tools than ever. Tablets are no longer secondary devices reserved for streaming, browsing or occasional travel. They have become tools for work, study, creativity and collaboration, often occupying the same space once held by notebooks, sketchpads and even laptops.

This shift is reshaping one of technology’s most competitive product categories. The global tablet market is forecast to grow from approximately $125bn in 2027 to more than $314bn by 2035, according to Industry Research. As tablets become more deeply embedded in everyday workflows, manufacturers are increasingly competing on something far harder to benchmark than processing power or storage capacity: how effortlessly a device fits into the way people think, create and work.

Reducing visual fatigue

The first place this shift is becoming visible is the screen itself.

With tablets becoming devices that people use for hours rather than minutes, visual comfort has become a competitive priority. For years, display innovation was driven by brighter screens, richer colours and higher resolutions. Today, manufacturers are paying equal attention to a different challenge, which is the reduction of the strain that can come with prolonged screen use. As tablets become devices people rely on throughout the day, visual comfort has become a feature in its own right.

Huawei‘s PaperMatte Display OLED technology is one example of how manufacturers are responding to this trend. Designed to reduce glare, diffuse reflections and create a more paper-like viewing experience, it reflects a broader industry focus on long-term visual comfort. Across the market, other manufacturers are also investing in anti-glare and anti-reflection technologies, including Apple’s nano-texture glass, as display comfort becomes a more important purchasing consideration.

The race to make digital interactions feel natural

Display comfort addresses one aspect of digital fatigue. Interaction is another. As tablets take on tasks once reserved for pen and paper, manufacturers are paying closer attention to how digital writing feels in practice.

The rise of digital handwriting and note-taking has driven advances in stylus technology, with features such as pressure sensitivity, low-latency connectivity and intuitive gestures helping digital writing feel less like interacting with a device and more like interacting with a familiar tool.

Huawei’s M-pencil, for example, has focused on NearLink connectivity and responsive stylus interactions designed to make writing and drawing feel more seamless. Samsung’s S Pen has pursued similar goals through different technical approaches, reflecting an industry-wide recognition that stylus experience has become a primary purchasing consideration. Together, these developments reflect an industry-wide effort to make digital interactions feel more intuitive and less disruptive.

Reducing mental load

Comfort alone does not solve digital fatigue. Mental fatigue has become part of the conversation as well.

As tablets become central to work and study, users are generating more notes, recordings and ideas than ever before. For many professionals, the challenge is no longer taking notes. It is making sense of an ever-growing volume of information.

This has helped drive the rise of AI-powered note-taking, one of the fastest-growing software categories in personal productivity. Across the industry, companies are building tools that organise, summarise, transcribe and connect information automatically.

Huawei’s Note Replay feature is one example of this evolution. Rather than treating handwritten notes and recordings as separate files, it synchronises them in real time, allowing users to tap on a note and revisit the exact moment an idea was discussed. It is a small feature with an outsized implication: the tablet is no longer just a place to capture information; it is a tool for finding context when you need it most.

Making creativity more immediate

The same expectations are beginning to shape creative work.

For much of the tablet’s history, creativity was considered a niche use case. Today, creating, illustrating, editing and designing are increasingly viewed as core tablet experiences rather than specialist activities. The success of platforms such as Procreate has demonstrated that consumers expect professional-grade creative tools to exist alongside entertainment and productivity features.

The question has shifted from “What processor does this tablet have?” to “What can I create with it?”

This thinking is encouraging manufacturers to invest heavily in creative experiences, from advanced stylus interactions to sophisticated illustration, animation and editing platforms. Huawei’s GoPaint platform is an example of this trend, combining brush engines, animation capabilities and creator-focused workflows that previously required desktop software.

Fitting into workflows without interruption

The broader objective is helping tablets fit more naturally into everyday workflows.

As tablets take on more responsibility across professional and creative tasks, manufacturers are focusing on eliminating the interruptions that traditionally forced users to switch devices.

Features such as desktop-style multitasking, multi-window management and PC-level productivity applications are helping tablets bridge the gap between mobile devices and traditional laptops. Platforms such as WPS Office now offer full-function document editing, while tablet-optimised creative tools like Filmora bring professional-grade video editing into increasingly portable form factors. The result is a category that is becoming more capable without becoming more complicated.

Beyond the spec sheet

Tablets are moving from secondary screens into becoming primary gadgets, and the manufacturers gaining ground are those who understand that the device itself should increasingly get out of the way.

As tablets evolve from secondary devices into platforms for work, learning and creativity, the most important question may no longer be how powerful a tablet is, but how effortlessly it helps people create, focus and get things done.

Experienced diplomat Geraldine McCafferty has been appointed by the UK government as the new ambassador to the UAE, succeeding Edward Hobart, who will step down after more than three years in the role.

Announced by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), McCafferty will take up her post in August 2026.

The appointment comes as bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow, with total trade reaching £24.8bn ($33.4bn) in the 12 months to the end of June 2025, making the UAE the UK’s largest trading partner in the Gulf.

It also follows the conclusion of the landmark UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which covers a UK-GCC trading relationship worth approximately £53bn a year. The UK government estimates the agreement will deliver a £3.7bn long-term annual boost to the British economy while further expanding opportunities across trade in goods, services and investment between the UK and the six GCC member states.

McCafferty joins the UAE from Beijing, where she served as Deputy Head of Mission and helped advance UK engagement on areas including science, research and innovation cooperation.

During a diplomatic career spanning almost three decades, she has also held senior roles including Director of Policy at the FCDO, Minister Counsellor in Bogotá and Copenhagen, and Private Secretary at the Foreign Office.

McCafferty joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1996 and has since served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Russia, as well as holding a number of senior policy and leadership roles in London.

She succeeds Edward Hobart, who was appointed British Ambassador to the UAE in May 2023 after previously serving as the UK’s Consul General in Dubai and Deputy Head of Mission in Abu Dhabi.

During his tenure, the UK and UAE expanded cooperation across trade, investment, clean energy, technology and financial services.